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Exclusive: “Scarier Khabib” – Dan Ige on how Khabib Nurmagomedov might be affected by father’s loss ahead of Justin Gaethje clash

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Khabib Nurmagomedov defends his UFC Lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254

Dan Ige made his presence felt as he was the latest guest on the Schmozone podcast.

The UFC Featherweight was coming off a tough loss against Calvin Kattar at Fight Island and spoke on several topics during the show.

Calvin Kattar celebrates after his decision victory over Dan Ige in their featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 16, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Ige also highlighted how he had been given nicknames such as 50K but it was his aim in life to go that extra distance in every field.

While Ige was disappointed in his last loss, he was asked about some stellar fights in the coming months.

One big one sees Khabib Nurmagomedov defend his Lightweight title against Justin Gaethje. Gaethje is the interim champion after defeating Tony Ferguson and has the chance of becoming the undisputed one at UFC 254.

However, this would also be Khabib’s first fight without his father, Abdulmanap. The elder Nurmagomedov passed away a month or so back and Ige was asked if Khabib could deal with this issue inside the Octagon:

“I think so. He is such a solid dude. I know what his father meant to him but I don’t think he will let that weaken his mind or psyche.

“I think he’s such a solid, level-headed guy in there and maybe we will see an even scarier Khabib.”

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Unsure who comes out on top

Ige added that he was friends with both Khabib and Gaethje and he didn’t want to see it, but as a fan, he was open to seeing them clash.

Ige claimed this would be an amazing fight for the fans but couldn’t confirm who would come out on top.

Justin Gaethje celebrates after defeating Tony Ferguson of the United States in their Interim lightweight title fight during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 09, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Both have excellent wrestling abilities and Ige added that cardio could be a factor in all this:

“We just have to wait and see but it will come down to the cardio. I have never seen Khabib get tired, I have seen Justin get tired but he fights 110%.”

Khabib vs Gaethje is one of the biggest fights in the UFC this year, and it will interesting to see who comes out on top.

This was an exclusive interview from The Schmozone Podcast. For more exclusive interviews and content please follow the link

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Saiyed Adeem Karim

Ditching a corporate job to follow a dream isn't easy, but when football comes calling, who can say no? Been following the beautiful game since 1998. Liverpool addict, F1 fanatic!