Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
I guess Fedor is too busy doing … whatever it is Fedor does to pay attention to what’s been going on with the guys and gals in UFC, the one place “The Last Emperor” never got to compete during his illustrious combat sports career.
Even though UFC President Dana White said he was “right there.”
Had the former PRIDE heavyweight champion been following along with us right here at MMAmania.com, which may or may not be banned in Russia, then he would know that UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is already a world-class striker.
Just ask the guy who stood and traded with him for five rounds … and lost.
Jab of doom notwithstanding, Fedor wants Nurmagomedov to work more on his striking technique so that in time, he can become even better. Sure, “The Eagle” is undefeated at 28-0, but laurels are no place to be resting.
“Khabib has found his style, wins by using his strengths,” Emelianenko told Low King (transcribed by Adam Martin). “That’s good because he is a UFC champion and uses his strengths. In these elements he stands above his rivals. However, Khabib must, of course, patch the gaps in its technique. For example, in the technique of punches and kicks. But he also does everything right. He also has time to polish these techniques to become even better.”
Khabib also scored a knockdown against striking sensation, Conor McGregor, at UFC 229.
The submission-savvy Emelianenko, who turns 44 later this year, is known more for hogging Japanese buses his power than his technique, at least in terms of striking, and six of his last seven wins (three of which came under the Bellator MMA banner) have ended by way of knockout or technical knockout.
Just imagine what would happen if Khabib had Fedor’s right hand…