Everything is absolutely okay with Nurmagomedov’s weight cut this time, so why all the constant inquiries?
Considering Khabib Nurmagomedov’s last attempt to hit 155 at UFC 209 ended with him in the hospital (and months of health complications), it’s understandable that the MMA community is interested in his weight. He fights Edson Barbosa on December 30th at UFC 219, and his ability to make lightweight without a struggle is definitely a concern amongst fans.
But when the press at a media luncheon asked him, Khabib dodged the question a bit, refusing to specify how much he weighed, instead contrasting his progress leading up to this event versus UFC 209. According to Nurmagomedov, he’s 8 days ahead on his cut in comparison to last time. Past that?
“Asking fighters how much they weigh and how old they are is not a good idea,” he scolded (via MMA Junkie). “How old are you and how much do you weigh, two questions you can’t ask women and fighters.”
A lot of fighters aren’t super willing to divulge the specifics of their weight cuts, but given the disaster we witnessed last time, a bit more transparency would be nice. As it stands, we don’t have a lot to go on other than a continued insistence that the massive botched weight cut from last time was a fluke and absolutely not because of tiramisu.
We’ll know in a week and a half, and let’s hope Nurmagomedov not only makes his weight but makes it without any undue stress on his kidneys.