Tag: Khabib Nurmagomedov

Georges St-Pierre sees Khabib as a ‘very attractive’ opponent for his UFC Fight Pass Invitational debut

St-PierreFormer two-division UFC champion Georges St-Pierre is eyeing a high-profile opponent for his highly anticipated return to combat sports. ‘Rush’ recently revealed that he will compete at the sixth UFC Fight Pass Invitational event on December 14. Currently, St-Pierre is the only athlete announced for the event, but high expectations have already been set when […]

St-Pierre

Former two-division UFC champion Georges St-Pierre is eyeing a high-profile opponent for his highly anticipated return to combat sports.

‘Rush’ recently revealed that he will compete at the sixth UFC Fight Pass Invitational event on December 14. Currently, St-Pierre is the only athlete announced for the event, but high expectations have already been set when it comes to his opponent. While walking the red carpet at the UFC Hall of Fame Ceremony on Thursday Night, GSP was asked who he would like to compete against if given the choice between Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kamaru Usman, and Anderson Silva.

“They are all very attractive, but everyone has a different agenda,” St-Pierre said. “Some are training for upcoming title fights. Some are maybe too heavy. Some are too light. Some just retired and have nothing to do with competition. I received a list from the UFC today. We’re gonna check and look at who’s available and make a decision with the UFC and with my people to make sure we go up against someone they think the people want to see me compete against.”

Georges St-Pierre Drops Some Details on The List He Received from the UFC

While St-Pierre couldn’t confirm any of the names on the list he received, he did reveal that at least one of the names offered up is on the promotion’s short-list of potential opponents for his return to the mat. Unfortunately, one of those names is not former lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Even so, GSP didn’t rule out the possibility of facing ‘The Eagle’ someday.

“There’s a lot of other potential interesting matchups, but everybody has a different agenda. A different schedule and we’ll see. Khabib’s name was not on the list, but I have to make sure to see who’s available,” GSP revealed.

That leaves either former welterweight king Kamaru Usman or 2023 UFC Hall of Fame Inductee Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva.

Anyone who was a fan of mixed martial arts in the early-to-late-2000s likely looks back on the individual reigns of St-Pierre and Anderson Silva fondly. The two men ruled their divisions with an iron fist and were tied to a potential superfight inside the Octagon for many years. Unfortunately, the bout never came to fruition, but fans could still get a chance to see the often-debated dream match in the world of submission grappling.

No matter who St-Pierre squares off with, the ultimate goal is to help promote the UFC’s Fight Pass Invitational events and the sport of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

“My goal is to [turn] this event into a much bigger event and I’m here to promote it,” he continued. “I will do the best I can and maybe once it’s started, some guys will look at it and say, ‘Hey, I want to be part of it as well.’“

Coach reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov considered UFC return, remained in USADA testing pool: ‘He was close’

Khabib Nurmagomedov close to UFC return remained in USADA testing pool coachJavier Mendez, the head coach of former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, confirmed his product was serious about a potential return to the Octagon in 2021 – even remaining in the USADA testing pool for a period of eight months following his retirement from combat sports. Khabib, a former undisputed lightweight champion under the […]

Khabib Nurmagomedov close to UFC return remained in USADA testing pool coach

Javier Mendez, the head coach of former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, confirmed his product was serious about a potential return to the Octagon in 2021 – even remaining in the USADA testing pool for a period of eight months following his retirement from combat sports.

Khabib, a former undisputed lightweight champion under the banner of the UFC, retired from professional mixed martial arts competition back in September 2020, successfully unifying the lightweight titles with a second round triangle choke submission win over then-interim champion, Justin Gaethje.

Citing the passing of his father and head coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov as the reasoning behind his surprising retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away from the sport boasting a stunning 29-0 professional record – before he was eventually stripped of his undisputed lightweight crown. 

However, speculation remained rife regarding a return to the Octagon for the Dagestan native, who claimed that if someone who featured on a UFC 257 card – featuring former foes, Dustin Poirier, and Conor McGregor – as well as Dan Hooker, and Michael Chandler, turned in an exceptional performance, he would consider a sport return.

Eventually, Khabib Nurmagomedov elected against making a comeback to active competition, with UFC president, Dana White reluctantly confirming his retirement from the sport.

Javier Mendez reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov was close to a UFC comeback

As per his head coach, Mendez, however, Khabib was weighing up a potential comeback in search of a 30-0 professional record – even remaining in the USADA anti-doping testing pool for up to eight months following his initial retirement.

“After Khabib (Nurmagomedov) retired, they [USADA] were still testing them,” Javier Mendez told Grosvenor Sport. “Dana White didn’t remove Khabib from the testing pool after he retired because he still hoped Khabib would fight again, but then Khabib had enough of being tested, so he told Dana he didn’t want to test anymore and that he’s not coming back.”

“He was roughly tested for about eight months before he had enough,” Javier Mendez said of Khabib Nurmagomedov. “The UFC were trying to get him to come back and he came close. You saw it when we were in Abu Dhabi. He said, ‘If someone shows me something spectacular, then maybe I’ll come back.’ It was Conor vs. Poirier that night, but it did not get Khabib excited. He said if something excited him on that card, then maybe he’d consider it. But it never happened, The UFC was pushing him, but nothing excited him, so it was a no go.” 

Kevin Lee claims Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC title run could’ve been ended with high kick KO: ‘He was open’

Kevin Lee claims he could have stopped Khabib Nurmagomedov with a high kick KO in UFCLong claiming to be the ultimate kryptonite of former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, ahead of his Octagon return this weekend, Kevin Lee maintains he had noticed many holes in the Russian’s gameplan – which he believes would leave him susceptible to a high-kick knockout loss. Lee, a former interim lightweight title challenger during […]

Kevin Lee claims he could have stopped Khabib Nurmagomedov with a high kick KO in UFC

Long claiming to be the ultimate kryptonite of former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, ahead of his Octagon return this weekend, Kevin Lee maintains he had noticed many holes in the Russian’s gameplan – which he believes would leave him susceptible to a high-kick knockout loss.

Lee, a former interim lightweight title challenger during his first tenure with the Dana White-led UFC, will begin his second stint with the promotion this weekend at UFC Vegas 76, taking on Rinat Fakhretdinov in the event’s featured preliminary card clash.

Out of action since a brief spell in the Khabib-backed Eagle FC back in March of last year, Lee returned to the winner’s enclosure following consecutive Octagon losses to former champion, Charles Oliveira, and Daniel Rodriguez, with a decision win over The Ultimate Fighter victor, Diego Sanchez in a super lightweight clash.

Kevin Lee had tirelessly campaigned for a fight with ex-champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov

And long claiming to be the force to hand the now-retired, Khabib his first professional loss, Lee went into detail as to the holes he claims he noticed during the Dagestan native’s run with the UFC prior to his 2020 retirement from the sport.

“I thought that his (Khabib Nurmagomedov) his body was open,” Kevin Lee told TSN reporter, Aaron Bronsteter. “I thought that he stood very square. I thought that pressure forward style, then kind of take it on the chin doesn’t lend well to shots to the body and it would have opened up eventually for a head kick or some type of kicks to the head.”

“It’s interesting, but it’s kind of pointless at the end of the day,” Kevin Lee explained. “He’s gone and it didn’t happen, so there’s no sense in focusing on the past.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Retiring boasting a stunning 29-0 professional record, Khabib managed to successfully unify the lightweight titles in his final Octagon walk back in September 2020, submitting then-interim gold holder, Justin Gaethje with a second round triangle submission win on ‘Fight Island’.

Ciryl Gane rejects Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training offer: ‘I have another job, and that’s to be a father’

Ciryl GaneHeavyweight contender Ciryl Gane has respectfully declined Khabib Nurmagomedov’s offer to help him evolve his ground game after a less-than-stellar showing against Jon Jones earlier this year. Gane’s lack of wrestling skills has arguably cost him the opportunity to become a UFC champion on two separate occasions. After coming up short against Francis Ngannou at […]

Ciryl Gane

Heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane has respectfully declined Khabib Nurmagomedov’s offer to help him evolve his ground game after a less-than-stellar showing against Jon Jones earlier this year.

Gane’s lack of wrestling skills has arguably cost him the opportunity to become a UFC champion on two separate occasions. After coming up short against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270 last year, ‘Bon Gamin’ found himself with another opportunity to reach the top of the mountain in March, squaring off with Jon Jones for the vacant heavyweight crown. Fans were expecting a highly competitive contest between two of the sport’s greatest strikers. Instead, they were treated to a quick two-minute matchup that saw Jones easily take down and submit Gane.

The loss prompted one of the greatest grapplers in the history of the game, Khabib Nurmagomedov, to reach out and offer Gane some assistance in honing his skills on the mat. However, Gane can’t see himself venturing off to Russia for months at a time, leaving his family behind in the process.

“This is really kind of him, but I have another job, and that’s to be a father,” Gane told Mirror Fighting. “I have two daughters, and this is a big job. People underestimate this. To leave my family for six months for me impossible. Some people talk about one year and stuff like that. If I go for two or three weeks, my family misses me a lot. To bring some people to the gym, that is possible. Having those high-level guys in judo, wrestling, and boxing.”

Ciryl Gane’s Meteoric Rise Through the Ranks

Making his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2018, Ciryl Gane’s meteoric rise to the top of the ranks was largely due to his status as one of the most active fighters in the division. In the span of four years, ‘Bon Gamin’ has already competed under the UFC banner an astonishing 10 times, with his eleventh fight scheduled to arrive before the end of the year.

“Just four years ago, nobody knew me, and it was easy to sleep in the gym. Now it’s different. I’ve got a lot solicitation, so I must manage this also,” he added. “Like everyone in this sport, when you have success, you must prepare for life after your career. Just like Conor McGregor and Khabib have done, preparing for life after fighting. This makes sense because you cannot fight for 30 years. I was already in a rush when I started MMA. We did fight after fight, so that’s why my career has gone so fast also.”

Ciryl Gane will attempt to bounce back this September when the promotion returns to Paris. Standing in his way of a return to the win column will be streaking heavyweight standout Serghei Spivac. The Ukrainian ‘Polar Bear’ has earned three-straight knockouts against Greg Hardy, Augusto Sakai, and Derrick Lewis.

Video – Virtual Khabib Nurmagomedov fights his younger self in confusing ad campaign

KhabibFormer UFC lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared in virtual form as part of an ad campaign that has fans very confused and a little creeped out. The video, which was posted on the Hall of Famer’s Twitter account, appeared to be an advertisement, but for what is anyone’s guess. Is it a new video […]

Khabib

Former UFC lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared in virtual form as part of an ad campaign that has fans very confused and a little creeped out.

The video, which was posted on the Hall of Famer’s Twitter account, appeared to be an advertisement, but for what is anyone’s guess. Is it a new video game? Crypto or NFT related? Something Russian that the rest of the world won’t quite understand? Check out part one below, which features a battle between two different Khabibs. And then be sure to place your bets on what exactly they are advertising before part two hits social media.

“Wow, I’m about to fight and guess who’s facing me? A younger version of myself! He’s all fired up, just like I used to be. But then, out of nowhere, something weird happens. Wondering where this is leading me? Stick around to see what is next!”

Gameplan Missed a Golden Opportunity with Their Khabib-heavy Advertisement

Twitter users were understandably confused and slightly skeptical. However, one fan had a rather brilliant idea that the company should seriously consider adding to… Whatever this product is.

“In the other corner, there should be a bear that Khabib wrestled with as a child,” said Twitter user Paul Jones.

Screenshot 2023 06 05 1.10.47 PM

The company behind the ad, Gameplan, describes itself as “the first-ever sports metaverse, where fans can play games, create events, shop and meet their favorite athletes. Gamers can take part in a unique experience, attend events and purchase merchandise. It’s the ultimate extension of sports fandom.”

If you’re looking for more interesting products promoted by ‘The Eagle’, you can always check out one of his restaurant chains in Russian, serving only the finest horse meat in the country.

Javier Mendez calls for UFC alum Khabib Nurmagomedov to return to fighters’ corners: ‘It’s such a huge motivator’

NurmagomedovAmerican Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez clarified details surrounding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement from coaching, suggesting that ‘The Eagle’ never actually said he was walking away from the sport altogether. After going 29-0, capturing the UFC lightweight world championship along the way, Nurmagomedov retired from the sport in 2020 following a title defense against perennial contender […]

Nurmagomedov

American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez clarified details surrounding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement from coaching, suggesting that ‘The Eagle’ never actually said he was walking away from the sport altogether.

After going 29-0, capturing the UFC lightweight world championship along the way, Nurmagomedov retired from the sport in 2020 following a title defense against perennial contender Justin Gaethje. Since then, ‘The Eagle’ has continued to be a constant presence at events while cornering fighters, including reigning 155-pound titleholder Islam Makhachev. However, fans were thrown another curveball when Nurmagomedov seemingly announced his retirement from coaching and was noticeably absent during Makhachev’s UFC 284 superfight with featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.

As it turns out, Nurmagomedov may not actually be done coaching. Sure, the likelihood of seeing him Octagon-side on Fight Night is slim, but according to Javier Mendez, ‘The Eagle’ still makes an appearance inside the gym from time to time.

“One thing people don’t understand is he never said he wouldn’t coach people,” Mendez told The Schmo. “He said he’s not gonna be in the corner and travel to fight camps because he’s spending time with his family. He never said he wouldn’t come and visit here and there, and train the guys. He never said none of that. He’s still holding to everything he’s ever said (h/t MMA News).

Javier Mendez also confirmed that ‘The Eagle’ has been back in the gym, helping his cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov prepare for a UFC Fight Night clash with Elizeu Zaleski on June 3. With both Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov expected to return later this year, Mendez is hoping that the UFC Hall of Famer will make his way back to the gym and take some of the load off his shoulders.

“He never said never either, so I’m hoping at some point he can come back and help me because him being in the corner is such a huge motivator for the guys and me,” Mendez explained. “Then my job’s easier. I don’t have to worry about hardly anything. I just sit in the backseat and let him drive because he’s a hell of a driver.”

Javier Mendez Believes He Has Another Future World Champon on His Hands with Umar Nurmagomedov

Javier Mendez could be very busy in the near future as he has yet another potential future world champion on his hands with Umar Nurmagomedov. The 16-0 standout is on the cusp of becoming a legitimate contender in the bantamweight division. Speaking on the trajectory ‘Young Eagle’ is on, Mendez suggested it’s just a matter of time before he is facing top-five opponents en route to becoming a UFC world champion.

“Soon to be (champion), we’ve got ‘Young Eagle,’ which is Umar, Khabib’s cousin… He’s gonna be the bantamweight champ,” Mendez said. “Anybody in the top five is the right opponent (for him)… The likelihood of beating him is not in their favor. I don’t see anybody beating him in the bantamweight division.

“We’re training for a fight, we’re just waiting for a fight date… ‘Young Eagle’ Umar will be champ beginning of next year. New UFC bantamweight champion, I’m predicting it,” Mendez continued. “We get a top-five guy in his next fight, and I know he’s gonna beat him. Then the title shot is next. I really believe in my heart that the UFC will do that.”