Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announces the launch of Seedorf Khabib Performance Club, a football school with a training methodology combining football and mixed martial arts (MMA), during a press conference in Dubai on November 1, 2021. (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP) (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)
Khabib Nurmagomedov dismissed his manager Ali Abdel Aziz’s claims that Israel Adesanya is an easy fight for his client
The outlandish star manager Ali Abdelaziz made yet another bold comment that involved former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The ‘Last Stylebender’ is all set to face Jared Cannonier at UFC 276 in his quest for his fifth successful title defense.
Ali Abdelaziz, had earlier claimed that Israel Adesanya wouldn’t last more than three rounds against Nurmagomedov. Abdelaziz also said ‘The Eagle’ is capable of beating heavyweights, light heavyweights, welterweights and lightweights.
“Khabib now weighs 200 pounds. If Khabib comes tomorrow and cuts to 185, he would stop Israel Adesanya in three rounds. I see it. He beats heavyweights, light heavyweights, welterweights, lightweights – he’s unstoppable now. He’s like a tractor trailer.”
“But styles – if Khabib wants to come back and talks with Dana White and says, ‘Let me fight at middleweight,’ he will finish Israel in three rounds because the style of fights. Israel can’t stop his wrestling. He can’t stop his grappling. But striking, of course, Israel is the best striker on this planet.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov was honored by inducting him into the modern wing of the UFC Hall of Fame. An undefeated fighter, and an absolute legend of the sport, Khabib has embraced the role of a coach and promoter since his retirement from the sport. He is embarking on this second phase of his career trying to mould champions, and giving back to the sport.
Speaking about his chances in a fight against Adesanya, Khabib shut down his manager’s claims and graciously reminded everyone of the class act that he is. He said, “No, because I’m not going to fight in 185, I’m not going to fight with him (Adesanya). It’s like… Right now this is his time you know. (Don’t) try to take his like greatness… But going to fight and talk about ‘Oh I can smash him.’ I didn’t say this, people talk about this, I don’t agree with this.”
UFC’s Youtube channel posted a video recently from their Icons series, which featured none other than the undisputed UFC lightweight legend, former champion, and modern wing Hall of Famer, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib’s legacy in the MMA world is unprecedented, and the respect he commands from his peers unparalleled.
Although he defended his belt only thrice, which is piffling if we consider the legacy of other champions, the sheer dominance, and the nature of competition he faced is what separates him. He carried an entire nation with him, and put his hometown Dagestan on the map. A remorseless wrestler, a born leader, a conscientious champion, and an absolute genius inside the octagon, Khabib scripted his name into the history books at the very top.
Following his subjugating victory at UFC 254 against a dangerous opponent like Justin Gaethje, the undefeated Dagestani decided to lace his gloves, owing to the devastating loss of his hero, coach, and mentor- his late great father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. As the world looked upon in shock, and emotions ran high, fans took some time to digest the greatness they had witnessed that night inside the octagon.
UFC lightweight fighter Michael Chandler was cage side in attendance, to witness the fight live in action. A few pay per view cards later, he would go on to make his UFC debut against Dan Hooker, and knock him out in the first round. In a latest video released by the UFC in their ICON series, Chandler can be seen dumbfounded by the performance. The emotions that Khabib was fighting with on that night struck a chord in his heart, and he could not hold tears.
Speaking about Khabib and his performance at UFC 257, Chandler said, ‘ What the man did inside the octagon, undefeated, multiple time world champion, and the way he carried his torch, and his flag, and his country on his bac, bringing everybody with him. He became the pride of the nation. It was absolutely a spectacular thing to watch.’
He added, ‘ You think about the pressure of defending your world title, and you couple that with the fact that you lost your father, the average human being would not be able to perform at that level under those type of circumstances.’
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