Fedor Emelianenko is the greatest heavyweight fighter of all-time and a mixed martial arts (MMA) ambassador in his home country of Russia. While nobody has come close to surpassing Emelianenko’s international popularity, undefeated Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title contender Khabib Nurmagomedov is starting is ascend towards the top of the food chain. But according to Emelianenko himself, Nurmagomedov isn’t getting the push he probably deserves.
“I think Khabib is a very good fighter and he has everything going for him to become champion with the UFC,” said Emelianenko in a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani. “Another thing to continue is whether the UFC wants that or not.”
Nurmagomedov, 28, has destroyed every opponent UFC has thrown his way and his currently scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight strap at UFC 209 on Mar. 4 from Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite that opportunity, “The Great Emperor” isn’t convinced that the promotion is giving Nurmagomedov a fair shake.
“I don’t know,” added Emelianenko. “That’s just the politics in the UFC. For me, a lot of UFC actions are still a mystery.”
In UFC’s defense, Nurmagomedov has been riddled with countless injures since making his debut back in 2012, so it’s understandable if the promotion is hesitant to trust his future as an active champion ready to defend the title. Still, he’ll get the chance to hoist gold in just two weeks.
What say you, Maniacs? Does Emelianenko make a good point? Sound off!