Tag: Khabib Nurmagomedov

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Khabib Nurmagomedov labels Georges St-Pierre’s prediction of win over him in failed fight as ‘Interesting’

Khabib Nurmagomedov responds to Georges St-Pierre claim he'd beat him in failed fight it's interesting UFCFormer undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov claimed it was “interesting” to hear former two-divivision titleholder, Georges St-Pierre predict a…

Khabib Nurmagomedov responds to Georges St-Pierre claim he'd beat him in failed fight it's interesting UFC

Former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov claimed it was “interesting” to hear former two-divivision titleholder, Georges St-Pierre predict a victory over him if they ever shared the Octagon together, having confirmed a potential super-fight was floated for 2020.

Nurmagomedov, a former undisputed lightweight champion and subsequent Hall of Fame inductee, retired from mixed martial arts competition four year ago, ending his illustrious career with a second round arm-triangle submission win against former interim champion, Justin Gaethje in the pair’s title unification bout.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Ending his career boasting a stunning 29-0 unbeaten record, Nurmagomedov has stressed his desire to remain retired from active competition in the aftermath of his exit from fighting – as well as coaching, however, St-Pierre revealed this week that a bout against himself was floated soon after he hung up his gloves.

“I think Khabib (Nurmagomedov) could have beat me, I’m not saying I could beat Khabib all the time,” Georges St-Pierre said. “I was confident enough to take that fight that I was thinking that if I take that fight, I’m going to beat him that day at that particular place, that doesn’t mean I will beat him all the time. But I was confident – maybe I’m wrong.”

Georges St-Pierre reveals scare with health condition led to UFC exit I thought I had cancer
Mandatory Credit: Brandon Magnus – Zuffa LLC

“I think I would have beat him because if he would have come to put pressure on me, I would have put him down,” Georges St-Pierre explained. “I would have the confidence to try to go for it. …I think that I would have maybe been the first guy that he fought or one of the only guys that would have tried to put him down, and I’ve put down everybody that I’ve fought.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov responds to Georges St-Pierre’s prediction of win

And sharing his thoughts on Canadian icon, St-Pierre’s bold claim of a triumph against himself, Nurmagomedov – who previously revealed the former was his late father, Abdulmanap’s favorite fighter in MMA, claimed it was “interesting” to hear the ex-champion speak about him.

Khabib Nurmagomedov addresses potential UFC return people want to see this
Mandatory Credit: Eagle FC

“I learn from this guy (Georges St-Pierre) a lot,” Khabib Nurmagomedov posted on his official X account. “Even [to] hear he talk about me is so interesting. GSP all day.” 

Who do you pick in a super-fight between Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Video – New UFC 300 promo lands featuring failed dream fights, fans lament Khabib – Ferguson inclusion

New UFC 300 promo releases featuring failed dream fights fans criticize Khabib - Ferguson inclusionAhead of next month’s massive UFC 300 card in Las Vegas, the promotion released a new promotional video ahead…

New UFC 300 promo releases featuring failed dream fights fans criticize Khabib - Ferguson inclusion

Ahead of next month’s massive UFC 300 card in Las Vegas, the promotion released a new promotional video ahead of the event – featuring a slew of dream fights that never happened, including event headliner, Alex Pereira against the late knockout artist, Anthony Johnson, and a disappointingly failed clash of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.

Tony Ferguson reveals a little part of him left MMA when Khabib Nurmagomedov retired UFC
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Returning to a pay-per-view schedule next month with a monumental UFC 300 card, the promotion fields three championship fights on the main card, with the above-mentioned, Pereira meeting Jamahal Hill, Zhang Weili tackling Yan Xiaonan for strawweight spoils, while Justin Gaethje defends BMF title honors against Max Holloway.

New promotional video for UFC 300 releases overnight

Also featured on the stacked card are the likes of Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, Jiri Prochazka, Aleksandar Rakic, Aljamain Sterling, Holly Holm, Kayla Harrison, Jim Miller, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Cody Garbrandt to name a few.

Alex Pereira agrees deal to fight at UFC 301 in Brazil title fight just 21 days after UFC 300 return
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And during last night’s broadcast at UFC Atlantic City, the organization released a new promotional video ahead of UFC 300 – previewing a slew of failed dream fights, much to fan interest, and criticizm to boot.

Amongst the inclusion of Khabib’s failed title fight with Ferguson, fans also saw hypothetical in-fight action and pre-fight faces offs of Daniel Cormier x Mark Coleman, welterweight greats, Matt Hughes x Kamaru Usman, Joanna Jedrzejczyk against current flyweight champion, Alexa Grasso, renowned star, Chuck Liddell against Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey against Valentina Shevchenko, Frank Mir x Tom Aspinall, B.J. Penn versus Max Holloway, and a middleweight clash of fan-favorite, Nick Diaz and ex-champion, Sean Strickland. 

Arman Tsarukyan unfazed by Charles Oliveira ahead of UFC 300 fight he's nothing special
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

With UFC 300 just two weeks out ahead of a return to the Apex facility next month for a headlining rematch between Brendan Allen, and Chris Curtis, fan expectation is through the roof on a much scrutinized card in ‘Sin City’.

Are you excited to take in UFC 300 in two weeks?

Georges St-Pierre reveals failed UFC fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020: ‘I would’ve put him down’

Georges St-Pierre reveals failed UFC fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov I would've put him downFormer two-weight UFC champion, Georges St-Pierre has revealed the promotion had approached him with a potential fight against Hall…

Georges St-Pierre reveals failed UFC fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov I would've put him down

Former two-weight UFC champion, Georges St-Pierre has revealed the promotion had approached him with a potential fight against Hall of Fame star and former lightweight kingpin, Khabib Nurmagomedov back in 2020, ultimately to no avail – however, it came as a bout he believes he would have won.

St-Pierre, a former undisputed welterweight and middleweight titleholder under the banner of the promotion, called time on his professional career back in 2019, having landed the 185-pound title two years prior in a return to the Octagon in a submission win over Michael Bisping.

Georges St-Pierre
Mandatory Credit: Brandon Magnus – Zuffa LLC

And as for Nurmagomedov, the former lightweight champion also ended his illustrious career back in 2020, successfully unifying the divisional crowns with a spectacular second round triangle choke submission win over then-interim champion, Justin Gaethje.

Forever linked with a superifhgt clash against Nurmagomedov since his retirement, St-Pierre – a fellow Hall of Fame inductee to boot, claimed the promotion had fielded a potential fight to himself and the Russian, fruitlessly, however.

Georges St-Pierre talks failed Khabib Nurmagomedov fight

Breaking down a potential fight the undefeated Sambo specialist, St-Pierre claimed he would have beaten Nurmagomedov if they actually fought each other.

“I think Khabib (Nurmagomedov) could have beat me, I’m not saying I could beat Khabib all the time,” Georges St-Pierre said during an appearance on the Pound-4-Pound podcast. “I was confident enough to take that fight that I was thinking that if I take that fight, I’m going to beat him that day at that particular place, that doesn’t mean I will beat him all the time. But I was confident – maybe I’m wrong.”

“I think I would have beat him because if he would have come to put pressure on me, I would have put him down,” Georges St-Pierre explained. “I would have the confidence to try to go for it. …I think that I would have maybe been the first guy that he fought or one of the only guys that would have tried to put him down, and I’ve put down everybody that I’ve fought.” 

Islam Makhachev backed as "more dangerous" than Khabib Nurmagomedov by Daniel Cormier UFC
Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacace – AFP

Prior to St-Pierre’s claims about Nurmagomedov this week, the Russian’s former head coach, Javier Mendez revealed that in his humble opinion, he viewed the former lightweight champion as the most “dangerous’ fighter to ever step foot inside the Octagon.

Who would have won a superfight: Georges St-Pierre or Khabib Nurmagomedov?