Tag: Khabib Nurmagomedov

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.

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

UFC release new footage of Khabib Nurmagomedov spitting and hurling insults at Conor McGregorIn new previously unseen footage, the UFC has detailed how former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov appearing to spit on…

UFC release new footage of Khabib Nurmagomedov spitting and hurling insults at Conor McGregor

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. 

Conor McGregor

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.

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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

Video - Khabib Nurmagomedov and team surprise coach Javier Mendez with gift to commemorate his legacyAbubakar Nurmagomedov, the cousin of Octagon icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, gifted his coach Javier Mendez a well-thought-out piece of memorabilia…

Video - Khabib Nurmagomedov and team surprise coach Javier Mendez with gift to commemorate his legacy

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.

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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.

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

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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.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Javier Mendez (@akajav)

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

Video - Khabib Nurmagomedov and team surprise coach Javier Mendez with gift to commemorate his legacyAbubakar Nurmagomedov, the cousin of Octagon icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, gifted his coach Javier Mendez a well-thought-out piece of memorabilia…

Video - Khabib Nurmagomedov and team surprise coach Javier Mendez with gift to commemorate his legacy

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.

99b552aafdd23f3f10640f4749ee16da

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.

57ed750940ccd6b5463ffeae5379c966

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

MixCollage 14 Jul 2024 01 28 PM 3193

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.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Javier Mendez (@akajav)

Conor McGregor again takes aim at Khabib Nurmagomedov amid tax issue: ‘He betrayed and fled Russia’

Conor McGregor again rips Khabib Nurmagomedov over tax issue betrayed and fled RussiaConor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s rivalry is alive and well as the Irishman took aim at ‘The Eagle’ in…

Conor McGregor again rips Khabib Nurmagomedov over tax issue betrayed and fled Russia

Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s rivalry is alive and well as the Irishman took aim at ‘The Eagle’ in a deleted tweet.

McGregor quote tweeted an ESPN tweet from 2018 about Nurmagomedov saying he’ll leave the UFC if they get rid of his teammates. Out of nowhere, the Irishman responded to it and claimed Nurmagomedov had since left his wife, and he sent out a tweet which he quickly deleted, but it was captured by Spinnin Backfist.

“Fast forward he has since abandoned, betrayed, and fled Russia entirely. Leaving his children and mother and wife/cousin behind,” Conor McGregor wrote in a now-deleted tweet.

AnyConv.com UFC 229 Khabib Conor Esther Lin MMA Fighting

The tweet seemingly came out of nowhere, but McGregor did delete it, which he is known to do. But, it’s clear the Irishman is still not a fan of Nurmagomedov and continues to take shots at him whenever possible.

Conor McGregor blasts Khabib Nurmagomedov over tax situation

Earlier this year, a report came from Russia that Khabib Nurmagomedov owes $3.3 million to the Russian Federal Tax Service and his accounts have been frozen.

Conor McGregor hits out at UFC enemy Khabib Nurmagomedov for retiring he's a little fool he went running
Mandatory Credit: Stephen McCarthy

To no surprise, after the report came out, McGregor blasted Nurmagomedov over the tax reports and said it was typical rat behavior.

“That’s typical rat behavior,” Conor McGregor said on a Duelbits live stream. “Scurrying rat. So, he has bills to pay. Two main events or something he has in the UFC and he owes his bollocks to the Russian government. So, he’s gonna pay his f—kin’ money that he owes instead of siphoning it out through to other countries. I’m ecstatic and delighted that that’s coming on top of him.

Conor McGregor delighted to hear about Khabib Nurmagomedov's tax issues he's a scurrying rat
Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan

“We all will welcome him back into the fight game where he’s ran from,” he continued. “It’s a rat trap. The rat trap has been set. We’re excited about that and to see where it goes. We noticed a little rat scurrying on back. We see him back around. The fat rat we call him.”

It’s clear that McGregor is still not a fan of Nurmagomedov and it’s likely he will continue to take shots at him whenever possible.

Jon Anik: Celebrated Former UFC Champion Is ‘First Guy That Comes To Mind’ When Discussing Fighters Who Will Never Be Replicated

Jon Anik recently remarked that Khabib Nurmagomedov reigns supreme in the world of combat sports as a truly irreplaceable fighter, citing the former UFC lightweight champion’s unparalleled fighting style and unyielding mindset. “The Eagle” soared through the annals of UFC history with a career that was nothing short of extraordinary. Widely regarded as arguably the […]

Continue Reading Jon Anik: Celebrated Former UFC Champion Is ‘First Guy That Comes To Mind’ When Discussing Fighters Who Will Never Be Replicated at MMA News.

Jon Anik recently remarked that Khabib Nurmagomedov reigns supreme in the world of combat sports as a truly irreplaceable fighter, citing the former UFC lightweight champion’s unparalleled fighting style and unyielding mindset.

“The Eagle” soared through the annals of UFC history with a career that was nothing short of extraordinary. Widely regarded as arguably the greatest MMA grappler ever, his legacy is cemented by an impeccable fight record that speaks volumes to his unmatched Octagon prowess.

In the MMA world, few fighters epitomize universal admiration quite like Nurmagomedov. The 35-year-old Dagestani announced his retirement from active competition after a decisive second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020.

Despite stepping away from the Octagon, Nurmagomedov continues to captivate a legion of die-hard fans and remains a constant presence on every list of GOAT MMA fighters. UFC play-by-play commentator Anik firmly believes that “The Eagle” is truly one of a kind…

Anik Confident No One Can Rival Nurmagomedov’s Mentality

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Anik was posed the question of which fighter’s greatness is irreplaceable. The 46-year-old UFC broadcaster responded by highlighting Nurmagomedov, praising his unparalleled combat technique and indomitable spirit as qualities no other fighter could ever match.

“I think Khabib Nurmagomedov had a uniqueness to him,” Anik said. “And I think a lot of that is rooted in his mentality, but even just in terms of not wanting to maybe hurt Justin Gaethje or the way he would talk to his opponents in a different way than Kevin Holland would.”

Anik further noted that while many former UFC champions, such as Daniel Cormier, Demetrious Johnson, and Dominick Cruz, possessed their own distinctive and superior fighting attributes, none could compare to the exceptional prowess of “The Eagle”.

“My guy Daniel Cormier, I think, is supremely underrated in terms of his ability to inflict and impose his wrestling and his rear naked choke on really world-class fighters. But I guess Khabib’s that comes to mind… All roads eventually for me lead to Khabib.”

Nurmagomedov now devotes his time to mentoring the next generation of fighters and is frequently seen training with his close friend and reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.

However, the UFC Hall of Famer is reportedly under scrutiny by the Russian Federal Tax Services for allegations of over $3 million in tax fraud.

Continue Reading Jon Anik: Celebrated Former UFC Champion Is ‘First Guy That Comes To Mind’ When Discussing Fighters Who Will Never Be Replicated at MMA News.