Violence isn't deemed as an appropriate "consequence" to speech. Which is why the law punishes the use of violence.
If not for the special circumstance of Khabib belonging to a fighting organization, where fighters are generally given a pass, he would be looking at potential jail time right now. Even Conor was taken away in cuffs for his coked-out assault on Khabib's bus.
If I punch somebody's lights out because they have insulted my "religion", that's good game for me. I'd be looking at a pretty big lawsuit in that scenario.
For anybody looking to get all macho in defense of their religion or whatever, I'd advise against it, because the law does protect speech, but it does not protect assault.
I see what you are saying from your well thought out eloquent response, but —- race, ethnic, gender, color, religion, orientation has no basis in sports. If A black fighter was called a deragatory term and called slave or N word, you ok with it? If a mexican was taunted with racial slurs you ok with it? List can keep going....
Free speech to some folk is like a pass to verbally abuse and assault others and that is accepted by a certain demographic or a sell out. Some demographics like to snitch and are weak. Some demographics think it is ok but get put in their place. Just how things are. If you say things like this at work, you are fired. It’s a double standard.
You don’t involve politics in these events too. Do you think these folks from that region took offence to Conor’s words? Those guys actually fought in wars. Khabib may have moved on but it’s possible folks from that side may not have. This is why there is more responsibility on Dana and UFC to avoid things that can offend folks other then the fighter as it creates a huge risk. A fight should be a fight in a mature manner, not with these things.
