NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Michael Chandler looks on against Justin Gaethje in their lightweight bout during the UFC 268 event at Madison Square Garden on November 06, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Latest footage from UFC 254 shows an emotional Michael Chandler watching Khabib lace his gloves after his fight with Justin Gaethje
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.’
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov joined the UFC top brass cage side to witness one of the most high-level fighting displays we’ve seen this year in UFC Vegas 57 main event. The talent-stacked lightweight division is seeing a fresh crop of talent emerging up in the ranks, and two such fighters locked horns today. Arman Tsarukyan faced Mateusz Gamrot in the main event of UFC Vegas 57.
The main event was one of the most high-paced, adrenaline fueled, relentless action packed fight we have seen in a long time. Gamrot showed the world why you should never count out an ADCC champion.
Khabib was in attendance to corner his cousin Umar, who extended his undefeated record to 15. Following that victory Khabib joined Hunter Campbell and Sean Shelby ringside to witness the main event. Thoroughly impressed by the display of the young lions, Khabib gave them a standing ovation.
He also reacted to the fight on Twitter by saying that this is perfect matchmaking by the UFC team. He wrote,
‘I want watch 5 more rounds.
What a great fight, wow
Great matchmaking @seanshelby’
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