Usman Nurmagomedov's latest Instagram story with Dana White goes viral hours after UFC President says he “crossed the line” at UFC Shanghai

Usman Nurmagomedov has seemingly responded to the controversy surrounding his actions at UFC Shanghai. Just hours after UFC CEO Dana White said the PFL lightweight champion had “crossed a line” by jumping the cage, Usman shared an Instagram story featuring himself with White. The Dagestani fighter added the caption “real men”, creating a striking contrast with the criticism he had received following his older brother Umar Nurmagomedov’s knockout loss to Song Yadong.The post comes after a tense night in Shanghai. Usman jumped over the cage immediately after seeing Umar knocked out in the second round. His emotional reaction violated a long-standing MMA rule that prevents cornermen from entering the cage before officials allow them inside. White later made it clear that he did not approve of Usman’s actions.Usman Nurmagomedov shares pictures with Dana White after UFC Shanghai controversyThe controversy began after Song Yadong stopped Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round of their UFC Shanghai main event.Umar suffered the first knockout loss of his professional career. The result visibly affected his younger brother Usman Nurmagomedov, who was watching from outside the cage.In an emotional moment, Usman jumped over the cage and moved toward his unconscious brother. However, cornermen are not allowed to enter the cage until a commission or event official opens the door.The incident quickly attracted attention from the MMA community.Dana White was eventually asked about Usman’s actions during the Contender Series press conference. The UFC boss did not hide his disagreement.“Yeah, what do you mean by how he reacted? He definitely did (cross a line)… I would agree with that”, White said.White’s comments came only hours before Usman posted his Instagram story with the UFC CEO.The image showed Usman alongside White, with the PFL champion adding the words “real men” as the caption.The post could be viewed as a sign that there is no serious personal tension between the two men. It may also suggest that Usman understands White’s position despite the criticism.Usman’s actions in Shanghai were not the first time he has jumped into the cage without waiting for permission.He previously did the same after Islam Makhachev defeated Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in Newark. Usman entered the cage to celebrate with Makhachev before being escorted away by security.Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman believes the repeated incidents should have consequences.“He should be in trouble, 100 percent, from the commission for jumping the cage and acting like that. If we have cornermen jumping into the octagon, it’s not good… He shouldn’t have been there”, Weidman said on Paramount+’s Deep Waters podcast.However, Song Yadong offered a more understanding view.“But watching the slow motion, it looked like he was turning around to throw an elbow or something,” Song Yadong stated. “But actually, I understand because they are brothers, you know.”For now, it remains unclear whether Usman will face any punishment for the Shanghai incident.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.