Megan Olivi extols Khabib Nurmagomedov’s accomplishment inside the sport, and lauds his Hall of Fame induction
Megan Olivi has remained a mainstay as one of the most familiar faces in the UFC broadcast team, and her pre-fight sit-down interviews are a staple leading up to any major card. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in the game, and generates a discernible comfort that allows fighters to speak their minds freely.
Olivi is also a part-time broadcaster for National Football League and before UFC, Olivi was known for working at WEC. She was part of the Hall of Fame ceremony conducted earlier yesterday, which rejoiced and felicitated great achievements in the sport.
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 legacy. Olivi said, “I don’t know if we ever will [see anyone like Khabib] because not just the perfection but the way he carried himself, he didn’t need anything else you know. He never needed the outside noise… I do think he is the unicorn of the sport, I don’t think there’s really going to be someone that we compare to him in all aspects…”
‘The average man would not be able to perform under those circumstances’ – Michael Chandler tears up watching Khabib Nurmagomedov retire at UFC 254
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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