Khabib Nurmagomedov

5 Opponents We’d Love To See Conor McGregor Take On In BKFC

Conor McGregor has been back in the headlines this week as he hosted his first press conference as part-owner of BKFC ahead of the company’s scheduled event in Marbella, Spain later this year. The former UFC two-weight world champion was scheduled to fight in the Octagon for the first time in three years at UFC […]

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Conor McGregor has been back in the headlines this week as he hosted his first press conference as part-owner of BKFC ahead of the company’s scheduled event in Marbella, Spain later this year.

The former UFC two-weight world champion was scheduled to fight in the Octagon for the first time in three years at UFC 303 recently, but a foot injury put paid to those plans. Speaking at the BKFC press conference, the Irishman revealed that he only has two fights left on his current contract with the UFC and said that he has ambitions to test the waters inside the bareknuckle ring once those commitments are fulfilled.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five intriguing options we would love to see “The Notorious” face in BKFC.

Nate Diaz

The rivalry between McGregor and Diaz has simply refused to go away ever since the pair first met inside the Octagon at UFC 196 back in 2016. Diaz took the fight on short notice as a replacement for McGregor’s original opponent Rafael Dos Anjos and shocked the world by handing the then-featherweight champion his first defeat in the UFC.

McGregor won an immediate rematch via majority decision just five months later and it seemed it would only be a matter of time before the pair would square off again. The rubber match never came, however, and Diaz fought out his UFC contract, finishing up with a submission victory over Tony Ferguson in September of 2022.

Since leaving the promotion, Diaz has pivoted to the world of boxing, where he has been defeated by Jake Paul and picked up a win over former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal, although he is now embroiled in a legal battle as he still hasn’t been paid for that fight.

Should McGregor fight out his UFC contract and join Diaz as a free agent, it’s likely the pair would become the hottest ticket in combat sports.

Mike Perry

The current BKFC middleweight champion and the face of the promotion. Perry’s career since leaving the UFC back in 2021 has gone from strength to strength, as he has won all five of his fights inside the squared circle and become the biggest name in the world of bareknuckle fighting.

“Platinum” has taken out a list of former UFC fighters under the BKFC banner such as Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez and Thiago Alves. He has become the highest paid fighter in the promotion and will fight Jake Paul in a lucrative crossover boxing bout this Saturday night in Tampa, Florida.

Although he failed to enter the title picture during his career inside the Octagon, Perry is now regarded as one of the biggest draws in combat sports outside the UFC.

Jorge Masvidal

“Gamebred” was a mainstay in the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight divisions between 2013-2023. He twice fought for the 170lb title against Kamaru Usman but was unsuccessful both times. After leaving the UFC (and temporarily retiring) in 2023 he recently made his first foray into the world of boxing when he faced Nate Diaz.

Although the event was a commercial failure and Masvidal lost a close decision to Diaz, he is rumoured to be planning to pursue some more fights inside the ring going forward. McGregor also revealed on social media that he won $1.625 million after placing a bet on Diaz to beat Masvidal.

Paulie Malignaggi

This one could be considered a long shot, but “Magic Man” and “The Notorious” certainly shared one of the most interesting beefs in the recent history of combat sports.

McGregor invited the former IBF and WBA welterweight boxing champion into his camp as a sparring partner in the lead up to his infamous boxing match against Floyd “Money” Mayweather back in 2017. After sharing multiple clips of McGregor knocking down Malignaggi during the workouts all over social media, tensions between the pair spiralled and rumors circulated that they would meet in a boxing match further down the line.

Although that fight never happened, Malignaggi did face McGregor’s former training partner and close friend Artem Lobov in a bareknuckle fight back in 2019 at BKFC 6, surprisingly losing by unanimous decision to the former UFC featherweight.

Malignaggi has carved out a career as a boxing commentator and analyst and has worked on BKFC events since his retirement from fighting. At 42-years-old, could we see him tempted into one more fight with his old rival?

Could it be? Could the stars possibly be aligning for one of the most heated rivalries in the history of the UFC to be rekindled?

After Nurmagomedov conclusively beat “The Notorious” at UFC 229 back in 2018 to claim the UFC lightweight championship, the Irishman campaigned tirelessly for a rematch. His disappointment at Khabib announcing his retirement just two years later was captured on camera during the filming of his documentary McGregor Forever, and the Dubliner has never missed an opportunity to berate Nurmagomedov when given the chance in the years that have passed.

Now that Khabib has seemingly fallen upon hard times and into some hot water with the Russian tax authorities, could we see him backed into a corner and forced into accepting a big-money payday to face his old rival once again?

Continue Reading 5 Opponents We’d Love To See Conor McGregor Take On In BKFC at MMA News.

VIDEO: Imitator Makes Conor McGregor Crack Up With Question About Fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov In BKFC

Conor McGregor’s first question that he faced at his very first press conference for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship was seemingly asked by himself. “The Notorious” was in attendance at his debut media event since becoming a part owner of the promotion in April as they promoted BKFC heading to Spain on October 12. The first […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: Imitator Makes Conor McGregor Crack Up With Question About Fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov In BKFC at MMA News.

Conor McGregor’s first question that he faced at his very first press conference for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship was seemingly asked by himself.

“The Notorious” was in attendance at his debut media event since becoming a part owner of the promotion in April as they promoted BKFC heading to Spain on October 12.

The first question that came his way was delivered via an impression of “The Mac” himself as McGregor was asked whether he thinks his former UFC rival Khabib Nurmagomedov could ever make some quick money by competing in BKFC if needed.

“There is a well known rat, who owes his b******* off to the Russian government. You know, would you get that man to BKFC if that man needed a dollar or two, you know. He clearly needs the money to pay back the Russian government, the man is a fool of a thing. With bare knuckle, a man versus a man, let it all end there in the coliseum, the Conor-seum. Let’s make it happen, that little scurrying rat.”

McGregor, who laughed throughout, responded with one of his most iconic press conference lines.

“It sounds like I’m talking, who the f*** is that? Who the f*** is that guy?”

Conor McGregor Slams Khabib Nurmagomedov Over Financial Reports

After taking a moment to laugh about the impression, McGregor did answer the question to some degree about the former UFC lightweight champion who has recently been in the news over financial issues with the Russian government.

“The Notorious” spoke about how Nurmagomedov walked away from MMA, let alone stepping into bare knuckle which, as McGregor said himself, requires a certain type of person and mindset.

“The guy won’t even fight, come on. The one thing that really attracts me to this game is these are bad men and women here in this f****** company, for real, these are bad men and women. You’ve got to be, you’re all talking about cutting each other up. A jab splits the skin in this game so the stakes are on another level, the intensity is on another level and again, it’s what drew me to this.

“The Russian who, he’s not even a Russian, he doesn’t represent Russia. He owes his b*******, he’s gone running. I’d love to fight one of these m************ in bare knuckle but they won’t fight so.”

McGregor did say during the press conference that with two fights left on his UFC contract, competing in BKFC at a later date is something that he is interested in.

Read More: VIDEO: Jake Paul & Mike Perry Complete Open Workouts Ahead Of Boxing Match

Continue Reading VIDEO: Imitator Makes Conor McGregor Crack Up With Question About Fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov In BKFC at MMA News.

Chael Sonnen Points Out Mistake UFC Made In ‘Negotiating’ A Khabib Nurmagomedov Comeback: ‘They Were Changing The Wrong Number…’

When Khabib Nurmagomedov made the decision to retire on top of the sport in 2020, there was always going to be talk of what could possibly bring him back. “The Eagle” never had the same motivations as most other fighters, and his decision to retire after his title defense over Justin Gaethje wasn’t something that […]

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Points Out Mistake UFC Made In ‘Negotiating’ A Khabib Nurmagomedov Comeback: ‘They Were Changing The Wrong Number…’ at MMA News.

When Khabib Nurmagomedov made the decision to retire on top of the sport in 2020, there was always going to be talk of what could possibly bring him back.

“The Eagle” never had the same motivations as most other fighters, and his decision to retire after his title defense over Justin Gaethje wasn’t something that was a big long term plan.

The passing of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov meant that Khabib would step away following a promise to his mother despite being just one win away from the coveted 30-0 that his father wanted to achieve.

Regardless of recent reports regarding his financial situation, money was never the aim for the undefeated lightweight king, and it certainly appears that the UFC already tried this option.

Chael Sonnen believes that we could have seen Nurmagomedov back inside the Octagon if the promotion had switched tact with him…

Sonnen: UFC Should Have Offered Khabib Fights At A Different Weight Rather Than Increased Money

During a recent YouTube video, Sonnen suggested that the UFC was wasting its time by attempting to offer Nurmagomedov more money to continue fighting.

As he recalls, the promotion tried to keep him around to at least hit the 30-0 mark but “The Eagle” has proven to be a man of his word.

In Sonnen’s opinion, the financial figure wasn’t the number that they should have been offering the all-time great 155-pound fighter. He believes discussions about competing in a different weight class would have been a much more effective way to entice Nurmagomedov back for one last dance.

“I have maintained for you that when those negotiations were going on and they were attempting to change numbers, they were changing the wrong number,” Sonnen said. “The same reason that 30-0 became 29-0. It wasn’t commas and zeros. It was the weight class.

“If they would have had one more, sat him down, and really negotiated, and made it 170 pounds, you would have seen Khabib fight or at least, you’d have been a lot more likely,” Sonnen added.

The champion never had particularly easy weight cuts, and if you look at his entire career, competing outside the lightweight division is one of the only boxes that he never checked off.

Read More: Muhammad Mokaev Believes UFC Didn’t Want Him To Take ‘American Star’ Jon Jones’ Youngest Champ Record

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Points Out Mistake UFC Made In ‘Negotiating’ A Khabib Nurmagomedov Comeback: ‘They Were Changing The Wrong Number…’ at MMA News.

Video – UFC release new footage of Khabib Nurmagomedov spitting on Conor McGregor, hurling insults after win

In new previously unseen footage, the UFC has detailed how former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov appearing to spit on…

In new previously unseen footage, the UFC has detailed how former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov appearing to spit on arch-enemy, Conor McGregor following his submission win at UFC 229 over the Dubliner, as well as hurling insults at him.

Nurmagomedov, a former undisputed lightweight champion, headlined the above-mentioned UFC 229 card back in 2018 against former two-division titleholder, McGregor, in the pair’s infamous bitter grudge match.

Conor McGregor hits out at Khabib Nurmagomedov dead rats in the swamp anniversary of UFC fight — Mandatory Credit: Esther Lin – MMA Fighting

And successfully defending his lightweight crown for the first time against the Crumlin striker, Nurmagomedov turned in a dominant submission win over the former champion, latching onto a fourth round neck crank, forcing an eventual tap.

Engaging in an immediate post-fight brawl with McGregor’s team, including former Bellator MMA star, Dillon Danis, Nurmagomedov was corralled by members of the UFC as well as security officials and other law enforcement officers, before he was then escorted away from the Octagon.

Khabib Nurmagomedov hurls insults at Conor McGregor in new footage

However, across social media today, new – previously unseen footage has emerged showing Nurmagomedov spitting on McGregor following his initial submission success, as well as launching a slew of expletive-filled verbal insults at the former two-weight champion.

“B*tch,” Khabib Nurmagomedov told Conor McGregor. “I f*cked you up. I f*cked you up, b*tch.”

Going on to successfully defend his title in a pair of championship unification matchups with both Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, successfully submitting the duo to retain his undisputed crown.

Himself sidelined for the past three years amid an injury layoff, former two-division champion, McGregor is still targeting an end-of-year return to take on Michael Chandler in a welterweight grudge match.

McGregor’s most recent win came in the form of a first round high-kick and strikes knockout win over UFC Hall of Fame inductee, Donald Cerrone over four years ago.

What are your thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s rivalry with Conor McGregor?

Video – Khabib Nurmagomedov and team surprise coach Javier Mendez with a gift commemorating his legacy

Abubakar Nurmagomedov, the cousin of Octagon icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, gifted his coach Javier Mendez a well-thought-out piece of memorabilia…

Abubakar Nurmagomedov, the cousin of Octagon icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, gifted his coach Javier Mendez a well-thought-out piece of memorabilia to commemorate the legendary trainer’s success as both a fighter and a developer of world champions.

Abubakar, who has competed under both the PFL and UFC banners, recently presented Mendez with an engraved knife that was meant to pay tribute to Mendez’s successful combat sports career as well as his role in shaping some of the fight game’s biggest stars over the years.

Today I have a gift. I wouldn’t say it’s ‘Wow’ but I think he will like it. It’s a knife with Javier’s face, our coach, engraved on it. Abubakar Nurmagomedov said in a video on Khabib’s YouTube channel, which you can watch below.

Khabib’s Team Pays Tribue to Javier Mendez’s status as a legendary fighter and trainer

The knife itself had an image of Mendez engraved on it along with the ISKA world champion belt he won in the early 90s.

Nurmagomedov also had Mendez’s many champions engraved on it including Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, and Luke Rockhold.

After his own illustrious career in combat sports came to a close, Mendez began his journey as a trainer, coaching a slew of superstars to fame, fortune, and world titles. Aside from the names mentioned above, Mendez has also worked with the likes of Frank Shamrock, BJ Penn, Cung Le, Josh Thomson, Islam Makhachev, and Usman Nurmagomedov.

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