Tag: Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov confused by the UFC’s recent handling of the lightweight division: ‘It makes no sense’

KhabibKhabib Nurmagomedov does not understand the UFC’s handling of the lightweight division as of late. After laying down the…

Khabib

Khabib Nurmagomedov does not understand the UFC’s handling of the lightweight division as of late.

After laying down the lightweight title and walking away from the sport in 2020, Nurmagomedov helped his friend and protege Islam Makhachev climb to the top of the division, claiming the 155-pound crown for himself. Since then, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ has defended the belt twice, both against former featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski.

Last defending the title in October, many assumed that Makhachev would return in the spring for a showdown with Justin Gaethje. However, those plans were seemingly scrapped — or at the very least put on hold — when the promotion announced that ‘The Highlight’ would battle Max Holloway in a BMF superfight at UFC 300.

As exciting as that sounds, Gaethje’s pairing with Holloway has left Makhachev in limbo — a decision that has Khabib Nurmagomedov scratching his head in confusion.

“All respect for Max Holloway, but I don’t know, and I don’t understand why UFC make this fight,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie following an appearance for Class A Events. “Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway: It makes no sense – (that’s) my opinion. My opinion, Holloway is supposed to fight with (Ilia) Topuria next, maybe September. Justin Gaethje is supposed to fight with Islam in May or June, and Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira, they fight in April. Whoever wins that (should be fighting) the winner of Islam vs. Justin Gaethje.

“Now, Topuria will fight with who? Movsar (Evloev) is the best option. I don’t know if Dana White will give him (a title shot). My opinion, he deserves this. I don’t understand. It makes no sense why they don’t give Islam (a fight with) Justin Gaethje, why they make him fight vs. Holloway.”

UFC CEO Dana White had previously stated that Makhachev was working through an injury, prompting the promotion to book Gaethje vs. Holloway and Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan at the landmark event on April 13.

However, Islam Makhachev has remained adamant that he is ready to defend his title, leading to a stalemate with no clear path forward.

“I don’t understand what UFC have planned,” Nurmagomedov said. “But Islam ready to fight with anyone.”

Ilia Topuria laments ‘Dream’ fight with UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov: ‘I would have beaten him 100%’

Ilia Topuria talks failed dream fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov I would beat him 100%Newly-minted undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria has claimed a showdown with former undisputed lightweight kingpin, the unbeaten, Khabib Nurmagomedov…

Ilia Topuria talks failed dream fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov I would beat him 100%

Newly-minted undisputed featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria has claimed a showdown with former undisputed lightweight kingpin, the unbeaten, Khabib Nurmagomedov is his “dream” showdown, and insists if he ever got the opportunity to fight the Dagestan favorite – he would handily beat him.

Topuria, the newly-crowned undisputed featherweight titleholder, headlined UFC 298 earlier this month in Anaheim, California, landing a stunning second round KO win over former pound-for-pound number one, Alexander Volkanovski in a fierce grudge match.

And laying out plans to fight in his residency in Spain next, Topuria was issued a challenge by former title chaser, Brian Ortega who emerged from UFC Mexico City with an arm-triangle submission win over former interim champion, Yair Rodríguez in the pair’s rematch. 

Ilia Topuria talks dream Khabib Nurmagomedov title fight

Welcoming the possibility of a future lightweight title charge against the incumbent, Islam Makhachev – Topuria stunningly revealed that his dream bout would see him take on Makhachev’s training partner, ex-champion, Nurmagomedov – whom he claims he would defeat to boot.

“I would be happy to enter the Octagon with Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Ilia Topuria said during a recent interview. “He had an undefeated record at 29-0 and he had an attractive record for me, then also history. He is worthy and [and] honorable champion for me. 100% [I would defeat him].”

Calling time on his professional career back in late 2020, Nurmagomedov bowed out of the sport with a stunning second round triangle choke submission win over then-interim champion, Justin Gaethje – to unify the titles and improve his unbeaten professional record to 29-0.

Turning his hand to coaching at American Kickboxing Academy briefly in the time since, Nurmagomedov was also recently inducted into the promotion’s ‘Fight Wing’ of the Hall of Fame. 

Who would have won in a title fight: Ilia Topuria or Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Dana White reveals lavish gift Khabib received from Vladimir Putin after UFC 229 win over Conor McGregor

Khabib meets PutinFollowing the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career, Khabib Nurmagomedov had a call waiting for him from…

Khabib meets Putin

Following the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career, Khabib Nurmagomedov had a call waiting for him from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Considered by some to be the greatest fighter in UFC history, Nurmagomedov’s biggest moment came at UFC 229 in October 2018 when he scored a fourth-round submission victory over Irish megastar Conor McGregor. Immediately following the fight, Putin made the call to congratulate his countryman, but found himself on hold for quite a while as Nurmagomedov notoriously hopped the cage and lept into the crowd to fight one of McGregor’s cornermen — Dillon Danis.

By the time Khabib Nurmagomeov waded through a sea of security staff and police officers, Putin was still on the line and ready to hand ‘The Eagle’ a lavish and life-changing gift.

“He didn’t even make it back to his dressing room after the fight, and Putin was on the phone,” UFC CEO Dana White recounted of the UFC 229 saga on the “Games with Names” podcast. “Putin gave him and his father, like, $20 million worth of property in Russia. Then he went into the Muslim territories where these guys are like, cars, money, gyms, whatever he wanted.”

Nurmagomedov also received a Mercedes given to him by Putin’s ally and Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, who has gained notoriety for his relationships with UFC fighters, most notably Khamzat Chimaev. It is believed that Chimaev’s close relationship with Kadyrov is why ‘Borz’ is running into issues obtaining a visa to fight in the United States.

White believes Khabib Stopped short of becoming the undisputed MMA GOAT

Two years after his victory over McGregor, ‘The Eagle’ walked away from MMA following the death of his father and longtime trainer, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Since then, White has tried to lure the former lightweight champion back, offering him a reported $40 million to return to the Octagon. But as is the situation with Conor McGregor, once you have the kind of money that Nurmagomedov has, it’s hard to wake up in the morning and willingly get punched in the face.

“Once you get to that level [of Nurmagomedov’s fame], it’s like what we’re dealing with with Conor McGregor,” White said. “Conor McGregor lives in a yacht in the middle of wherever the warmest place in the world is at that time. Once you get to that level, you’re not getting up and getting punched in the face anymore.”

White also believes that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s hasty exit after just three title defenses is the reason he failed to obtain MMA GOAT status in the eyes of the many, himself included.

“The GOAT is Jon Jones,” he said. “Jon Jones is undefeated. Khabib is undefeated, too, but I would have liked to have seen Khabib do more” (h/t MMA Fighting).

Ex-Teammate shares insight on humility of UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov: ‘He would be the guy mopping the mats’

Jake Shields shares insight on Khabib Nurmagomedov humility he would be mopping mats after UFC title winFormer Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields shares insight into the humility of Khabib Nurmagomedov.  Nurmagomedov can boast of sporting…

Jake Shields shares insight on Khabib Nurmagomedov humility he would be mopping mats after UFC title win

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields shares insight into the humility of Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

Nurmagomedov can boast of sporting success, celebrity status and a fairly sizeable bank balance, however, the former UFC lightweight champion remains understated and humble. The 35-year-old grew a large and devoted following throughout his career and safely earned celebrity status during the end of his career, whether he liked it or not. 

However, nothing seemed to go to Nurmagomedov’s head and remained a well-respected and pivotal part of training cores both in California and in Dagestan. Shields, who trained alongside Nurmagomedov at the American Kickboxing Academy, shared that the MMA superstar would stay behind to clean the mats after practice. 

“When I would train with Khabib Nurmagomedov in San Jose he would often be the guy mopping the mats (this is usually down to my rookies) This was right before he won the title — but I’m pretty sure I also saw him moping in (Las) Vegas after he was already a champion. This sets a great example to his team that he’s not above them”, Shields wrote on Twitter. 

Many who know and have trained with Nurmagomedov have nothing but good things to say about him. Often the hardest worker in the room, Nurmagomedov earned the respect of many, including his former coach and head of AKA, Javier Mendes. 

When asked if money had changed Nurmagomedov, Mendes said, it did, but in the best way.

“Yes, he did change. He did change 100%. He became more generous… He became more generous, and a bit more kind to people. He was always kind but he became better with people. With more money, he became better.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov turned down $40 million to make UFC return

While the UFC has tried to tempt Nurmagomedov back on many occasions, he remains steadfast in his retirement. 

What is your favourite moment from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career? 

UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov meets football star Erling Haaland: ‘Two GOATs hanging around’

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Erling HaalandUFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov was spotted alongside Norwegian football star Erling Haaland. The Manchester City star was…

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Erling Haaland

UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov was spotted alongside Norwegian football star Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City star was in Abu Dhabi where the English champions have set up their warm-weather training camp. In a video shared by Nurmagomdedov on Instagram, the former lightweight titleholder can be seen teaching Arabic to Haaland and his teammates, Ederson and Rodri.

The 23-year-old Man City forward re-joined the club’s training on Monday as he prepares to return to action following a lengthy layoff. Haaland missed the last nine matches, including five Premier League games, due to a bone stress injury in his foot.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Rumored Return at UFC 300

As for Nurmagomedov, the undefeated MMA icon has kept himself busy after walking away from the sport with an incredible 29-0 record in 2021. Recently, former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen claimed that ‘The Eagle’ was being courted for a return to the Octagon at UFC 300 to face reigning welterweight world champion Leon Edwards.

However, Nurmagomedov’s longtime coach, Javier Mendez, poured cold water all over those rumors, claiming that there was absolutely no truth to the statement and subsequent reports.

“I’m just letting you guys know that, you know, stop all this nonsense regarding Khabib coming back and me and him training,” coach Mendez said in reference to Khabib’s return. “There’s been no such thing happening.”

“We’re not discussing training, we never have. Khabib is still devoted to what he said. He’s devoting his time to his family, he’s not working people’s corners, he’s not going to ever fight. To my knowledge, it’s never been spoken about. And to my knowledge, he’s been here the past few days. He just left yesterday from Dubai.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov rejected whopping $40,000,000 payday to make stunning return to the UFC: ‘I am done’

Khabib Nurmagomedov turned down 40 million to make stunning UFC comeback I am doneFormer undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomdov reportedly rejected a stunning $40,000,000 payday to snap his 2020 retirement from the…

Khabib Nurmagomedov turned down 40 million to make stunning UFC comeback I am done

Former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomdov reportedly rejected a stunning $40,000,000 payday to snap his 2020 retirement from the sport just two years ago according to his former training partner, fellow Hall of Fame inductee, Danel Cormier.

Nurmagomedov, a former undisputed lightweight champion and prior pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter under the promotion’s banner, called time on his illustrious fighting career back in 2020, following a submission win over then-interim titleholder, Justin Gaethje, successfully unifying the divisional crowns.

Citing the passing of his late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and a promise he made to his mother that he would not fight again, Russian sambo ace, Khabib Nurmagomeov ended his tenure boasting a stunning 29-0 professional record.

However, linked with a multitude of fights to bring him back to the Octagon, including a rematch with former two-division champion, Conor McGregor, a long-mooted super fight with former two-weight champion, Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov elected against entertaining a comeback.

Khabib Nurmagomedov turned down massive pay for UFC return

And according to former light heavyweight and heavyweight kingpin, Cormier, a sum in the region of $40,000,000 was floated to Nurmagomedov to secure another outing in the Octagon – which he ultimately turned down.

“Khabib Nurmagomedov turned down $40,000,000 [to fight again],” Daniel Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “That dude said $40,000,000 to come back. I don’t know what would prompt him to come back if he’s throwing this much money away. Despite occasional thoughts of a comeback crossing Khabib’s mind, his unwavering commitment to a promise he made to his mother prevails.”

“To fight in the UFC, I don’t know how many fights he was meaning, I don’t know what he meant,” Cormier explained. “But he just said, ‘I turned away $40,000,000, brother. I am done.’”