(“Khabib not only top UFC fighter, but also #1 t-shirt merchant in Las Vegas strip.” / Photo via Nurmagomedov’s Instagram)
When undefeated Dagestani bear-wrestler Khabib Nurmagomedov entered the UFC in 2012 and rattled off six consecutive victories — no small feat, especially in the talent-loaded lightweight division — Nurmagomedov’s name started circulating as a guy who could imminently challenge for the 155-pound title. Then, he took some time off for Ramadan. Then, he caught a knee injury.
Suddenly, Nurmy is becoming a forgotten man, especially in the wake of Donald Cerrone‘s dominant win over Eddie Alvarez last weekend. And so, it’s time for “The Eagle” to start saying crazy stuff about champion Anthony Pettis in order to grab fans’ attention again. Here are some highlights from a new interview with MMA Junkie:
“I think Anthony Pettis is scared. He’s never had a good wrestling opponent, now I’m a contender. I have very good wrestling, and Anthony Pettis has only the lucky punch. I think he understands this, and he doesn’t want this fight.
“Anthony Pettis is a pretty boy. He’s a playboy. He’s very beautiful and he’s good to market. But the real champion is Khabib Nurmagomedov. Everybody knows. I sent him the message on Twitter. He didn’t give an answer. I see he’s scared. He only likes striking guys. He doesn’t like wrestling guys who are aggressive with top control. I deserve my title shot; give me my title shot…
“He’s the champion, but he’s not a true champion. He hasn’t had a defense in one-and-a-half years. He has no defense of the belt. He won the belt, yes, but he’s a paper champion. I think he’s a paper champion. Everyone knows I am the true champion. The next fight, I deserve a title shot. This belt is mine…
“I look for Anthony Pettis at UFC 178, but I couldn’t find him. I wanted to say, ‘Let’s go! I deserve my title shot. Why you shut up and not say my name?’ I follow his Instagram, and I see every time he parties, and I think he’s a playboy. All my life I’m training hard. I’m training in mountains, I’m wrestling with bears, and all my life I’m training.
“I’m not scared to fight against very good fighters. I’m not Anthony Pettis. I’m not scared. I like the zero in my record and I will keep it. I think I don’t lose. I’m going to punish Anthony Pettis and break his heart…
“My message for Pettis is, ‘Please don’t be scared.’ Everyone says Khabib is the next lightweight contender. Why you don’t listen? I know you want only striking guys, but my spirit, my top control and my aggression is no good for you. You’re scared. Next year, your belt is not your belt. Your belt is my belt.”
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