Khabib Nurmagomedov credits Al Iaquinta for his big win over Kevin Lee at UFC on FOX 31.
Kevin Lee was the favorite heading into last night’s main event at UFC on FOX 31, but Al Iaquinta proved the doubters wrong by picking up a hard-fought decision at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Fans may have overlooked Iaquinta, but reigning UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who shared an Octagon with ‘Raging Al’ back at UFC 223, knew his former opponent was ‘strong’ enough to pull off the win.
Nurmagomedov, who beat Iaquinta via unanimous decision earlier this year, congratulated the New Yorker on his Performance of the Night.
Congratulations @ALIAQUINTA
I know how strong you are, that’s why I was waiting for your fight. #truetalker— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 16, 2018
‘The Eagle’ also offered Kevin Lee some advice, telling the 26-year-old to ‘stay humble.’
Stay humble Kevin lee.
Humble is the key.— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 16, 2018
Nurmagomedov last fought at the blockbuster UFC 229 pay-per-view in Las Vegas, where he submitted Conor McGregor with a neck crank in the main event. The undefeated Dagestani is expected to meet with the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) next year over his involvement in the UFC 229 post-fight brawl. Nurmagomedov could face a possible fine and suspension.
As for Iaquinta, expect the 31-year-old to surge into the top-five once the UFC updates its rankings.