Tag: Khabib Nurmagomedov

UFC: For the Good of His Career, Nate Diaz Just Can’t Fight Khabib Nurmagomedov

Nate Diaz isn’t afraid of a fight. Any fight.
Realistically, no one in MMA is.
If you choose to be locked in a cage with an elite martial artist for cash, you’re probably tilted toward the fight end of your fight-or-flight response.
Diaz is, however, c…

Nate Diaz isn’t afraid of a fight. Any fight.

Realistically, no one in MMA is.

If you choose to be locked in a cage with an elite martial artist for cash, you’re probably tilted toward the fight end of your fight-or-flight response.

Diaz is, however, considerate of whom he fights, when and why. If the name of the game in MMA is making money, those are reasonable points to ponder before signing on the dotted line.

Name value, rankings and title shots pave the road to more cash, and that’s something Diaz is very much aware of. That’s why he can’t fight Khabib Nurmagomedov, no matter how much Dana White wants him to.

Nurmagomedov is dangerous and a bad stylistic matchup for Diaz, and since the Octagon isn’t Stockton, Calif. on a Saturday night, Diaz is going to pass.

He made a simple risk-reward analysis, and the risk isn’t worth the reward.

If he loses to an up-and-comer—a lower-ranked guy whom most people don’t know—he’s done as a top contender. 

That’s quite a risk.

If he beats some Russian upstart who got into the Top 10 by beating a quantity of opponents more than quality ones, what’s the benefit? Diaz is the No. 5 lightweight, and Nurmagomedov is No. 7, so Diaz would be expected to win.

That’s not much of a reward.

The issue for Diaz boils down to a career that is now entrenched in lightweight purgatory—some bizarre nether realm between serious title contender and gatekeeper. In trying to pit him against Nurmagomedov, the UFC is treating him far more like the latter than the former, and Diaz isn’t ready to accept that role just yet.

The promotion isn’t at fault here. Diaz is 1-2 in his last three, and the lone win, while impressive, came against a diminishing Gray Maynard. The guys ahead of him in the Top 10 aren’t options for various reasons, and he’d be quite the scalp to hang for lightweights who are on the way up.

Diaz plays the game away from the cage differently than everyone in the sport (aside from brother Nick, of course). He comes from a boxing mentality of getting big pay for big fights, and he’s not going to compromise that so the UFC can make its next contender off his name.

He understands, perhaps better than anyone, that fighting Nurmagomedov offers nothing of benefit for an established fighter still in his prime. The Russian is a relative nobody, they wouldn’t make significant money together, and beating him wouldn’t get Diaz any closer than he already is to a fight that might pay or draw eyes.

It’s everything that Diaz doesn’t want in a fight, and though the UFC knows it too, it will crucify him for turning it down because “do you want to be a f**king fighter?”

That’s the fight game. It’s about promoters trying to pair guys who can make money together or push each other into a spot where they can do it individually. It’s about fighters clashing with opponents who can make them more relevant, rich and famous.

White knows it, and it’s why he’s trying to make the fight.

Nurmagomedov knows it, and it’s why he called for Diaz in the first place.

Most importantly, though, Diaz knows it, and it’s why he’s not going to take the fight. He’s got more to lose than anyone involved, while everyone else has more to gain.

So don’t hate the player, hate the game. With his career in the balance, Diaz is playing it well.

 

Follow me on Twitter @matthewjryder!

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Mike Kogan: Anthony Pettis Knows Nate Diaz Matchup Is ‘A Money Fight’

Former UFC lightweight title challenger Nate Diaz isn’t ducking a fight with surging contender Khabib Nurmagomedov, but the smart move is to wait for a title bout with champion Anthony Pettis. 
At least that’s the word coming from Diaz’s manager M…

Former UFC lightweight title challenger Nate Diaz isn’t ducking a fight with surging contender Khabib Nurmagomedov, but the smart move is to wait for a title bout with champion Anthony Pettis. 

At least that’s the word coming from Diaz’s manager Mike Kogan, who said as much in an interview with MMA Junkie’s Steven Marrocco. 

“We could be looking at a title fight,” Kogan said. “I think it’s a smart business decision to sit around for a little bit … Pettis already said he wanted to fight Nate. Why does he want to fight Nate? He knows it’s a money fight. That’s the name of the game. Who else would bring that much money? (Benson) Henderson? F–k no.”

Kogan also took umbrage with UFC president Dana White tweeting that Diaz recently turned down a fight with Nurmagomedov, stating that wasn’t exactly what happened. 

“So now we’re forced to defend ourselves,” he said. “I thought these kind of conversations were kept between us in private. We asked for a new contract. They said, ‘Not after one win. That’s not happening.’ OK, cool, we’ll turn down this fight, which is our right to do, according to our contract. I don’t know how this turns into, everybody is scared to fight Khabib.”

Later in the interview, Kogan stated that Nurmagomedov “hasn’t paid his dues in the UFC yet” to earn a fight with someone like Diaz. 

While there appears to be plenty of bad blood between Diaz and Pettis, it seems overzealous to proclaim Diaz, the No. 5 lightweight in the UFC’s official rankings, ready for another shot at UFC gold. 

The Cesar Gracie Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is 1-2 in his past three fights, defeating former two-time title challenger Gray Maynard and getting crushed by top contenders Benson Henderson (who was then the champion) and Josh Thomson.

While Nurmagomedov boasts a rarely seen 21-0 record, including five straight victories inside the Octagon, he lacks a signature win over a big-name opponent that would likely propel him to a title shot.

Pettis, who is expected to be on the sidelines until at least mid-2014 with a knee injury, is currently riding a four-fight win streak (with three finishes in a row) and has won eight of his past nine bouts.

“Showtime” captured the lightweight title when he defeated Benson Henderson at UFC 164 in August, locking up a picture perfect armbar from guard late in the first round.

Which fight makes more sense: Diaz vs. Nurmagomedov or Diaz vs. Pettis with the title on the line?

 

John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.

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Michael Johnson Volunteers to Fight Khabib Nurmagomedov

Could Khabib Nurmagomedov have found his next opponent in Michael Johnson?
The past few days have been wrought with drama as Dana White openly discussed his difficulties in finding anyone who wanted to fight Nurmagomedov, via Twitter.
Now, it seems as …

Could Khabib Nurmagomedov have found his next opponent in Michael Johnson?

The past few days have been wrought with drama as Dana White openly discussed his difficulties in finding anyone who wanted to fight Nurmagomedov, via Twitter.

Now, it seems as if the answer to White’s problems may come in the form of another TUF alum, Johnson.

Johnson is on a two-fight win streak and looks to be a greatly improved fighter who’s honestly hungry to move up the rankings. His last victory saw him knock out Gleison Tibau, and prior to that, he gave Joe Lauzon a thorough thumping.

With both Johnson and Nurmagomedov having their names mentioned as possible opponents for Nate Diaz, perhaps the easiest thing in the world is to have them face each other.

It’s also an interesting clash of styles that would help answer questions about both fighters as they look to move up the ladder.

Thus far, the rejuvenated Johnson has yet to face a fighter who is as dogged about takedowns and working from the top as Nurmagomedov. If Johnson could win such a bout, it would not only officially put his name in the top 10, but it would also give us a glimpse of how good he really is.

Nurmagomedov, for his part, has not really fought a heavy-handed slugger that is also fast and moves well. Given that Johnson is polishing his wrestling game with Olympic gold medalist Kenny Monday, Nurmagomedov has a serious test in front of him.

And if he keeps throwing those telegraphed flying knees with his head out in the open, Johnson has the speed and the power to plant him like Nate Marquardt did to Demian Maia.

This bout seems like a natural resolution for both men, and given their desire, it could make White’s day a little easier.

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UFC Lightweight Title Hunt: Is Khabib Nurmagomedov a True Contender?

Ever since Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped into the Octagon, he has displayed a confidence and poise that makes you think he is never going to lose.
He never seems intimidated, lackluster or distracted. To see him before, during or after a fight is t…

Ever since Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped into the Octagon, he has displayed a confidence and poise that makes you think he is never going to lose.

He never seems intimidated, lackluster or distracted. To see him before, during or after a fight is to see a young man who is fully aware of the opportunity before him and plans on seizing it.

And with every fight he wins, more and more fans rally under his banner.

But is he a title contender?

Right now, I have a hard time imagining him defeating Benson Henderson, Gilbert Melendez or Anthony Pettis. It’s not just a matter of Nurmagomedov not getting the opportunity to fight a true, Top 10 lightweight; it’s his style.

He is a relentless fighter, and anyone who puts pressure on his opponent is someone to be respected. But upon closer examination, he’s not reinventing the wheel by any means.

There is no secret to his game plan, as it never seems to change. He’s going to throw strikes while working for the takedown, and he’s going to be looking for the takedown all night.

Can getting the lightweight title really be as simple as that when you consider just how deep the division is?

Given how most MMA fights are scored, part of that answer is “yes.” If he can get enough takedowns in any fight, chances are good he can get a decision victory, no matter who he faces.

Clay Guida managed to defeat Pettis in much the same fashion. Guida took Pettis down repeatedly and won the bout 30-27 on all cards, simple as that.

Nurmagomedov also has very good submission skills, which could keep him out of trouble, as he works a top-heavy game and keeps the fight where he wants it. By controlling where the bout is fought, he can win fight after fight after fight.

So, on paper he looks like a serious contender already: a man eating his way to the crown, one fight at a time.

But thus far, he’s yet to face top-tier opposition. In his last bout against Pat Healy at UFC 165, his striking was a bit wild yet effective, simply because he was throwing more and Healy was walking in. Even then, Healy tagged him with a hard right that clearly hurt.

To expect that Nurmagomedov would find much success against good strikers like Michael Johnson or Pettis seems a little far-fetched at this point. Unless he plans on bull-rushing them every second of every round, he’s going to have to stand and trade in order to set up successful takedowns.

And that could be where he winds up in trouble.

Men like Johnson, TJ Grant and Pettis have the power to finish Nurmagomedov with one shot. If he cannot get the takedown, he’s going to be forced into a situation where a powerful striker will get many chances to end his night early.

But from what we have seen thus far, he has the kind of grit that makes it easy to imagine him pushing forward anyway, ignoring all the blood and pain just to get on top.

The French have a saying: “Plus les choses changent, plus elles restent les memes.” Translation: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” In MMA, no matter how much the sport evolves, the man who decides where the fight takes place is usually the winner, just like it was back in the early days.

While we cannot say for sure if Nurmagomedov will prove this true as the competition gets tougher, we do know that he’s undefeated because he always plays to his strengths.

And if he can put anyone in the Top 10 on his back, I cannot imagine anyone stronger from the top.

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Nate Diaz’s Manager Mike Kogan Says UFC Turned Down Nurmagomedov Fight

By now, most MMA fans know that Nate Diaz has come out swinging upon word from Dana White that he refused a fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Now, new manager for Diaz Mike Kogan recently contacted MMAmania.com (as per Michael Stets) to clarify the situa…

By now, most MMA fans know that Nate Diaz has come out swinging upon word from Dana White that he refused a fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Now, new manager for Diaz Mike Kogan recently contacted MMAmania.com (as per Michael Stets) to clarify the situation.

“Nate has never turned down a fight with anyone,” Kogan said. “There are conditions that we asked for that were turned down by the UFC, so the fight didn’t happen.”

It started on Twitter, when White declared that Diaz turned down a fight with Nurmagomedov. Diaz replied shortly thereafter with this tweet.

Then, in typical Diaz style, the 155-pound fighter tweeted again, saying that the UFC and White were “Full of s–t” and that he didn’t turn down anything.

Diaz is coming off a first-round bombing of Gray Maynard at The Ultimate Fighter 18 finale. It was his first victory since losing back-to-back fights with Benson Henderson and Josh Thomson, respectively.

Nurmagomedov is undefeated and has won five bouts under the UFC banner. With a style that is based heavily on takedowns and top control, it isn’t all that puzzling as to why Diaz might want special conditions for such a bout.

Now, the next question seems to be a simple one: Is Diaz within his rights to request anything outside of his contract?

White’s actions on this matter are nothing new. In a piece by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Snowden regarding UFC fighter contracts, White discussed his tactic of calling fighters out for refusing fights.

The bottom line is, we’re all in the business of making fights that people want to see. You’re going to have your moments when fighters will lobby to not fight this guy or that guy. And normally what I do is call them out publicly when they won’t. Don’t tell me on the phone you don’t want to fight a guy and then not say it publicly…You can’t make anybody fight anybody. But nobody wants to be that guy.

Hopefully, both sides will come to some kind of agreement and we can see Diaz and Nurmagomedov in the Octagon sooner rather than later.

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Can Jose Aldo Be a Global UFC Superstar?

As perhaps one of the most dangerous and explosive fighters in the UFC, Jose Aldo is a man in the prime of his career.There is no man in the lower weight divisions—save perhaps Anthony Pettis—who is as fluid, precise and devastating as Aldo…

As perhaps one of the most dangerous and explosive fighters in the UFC, Jose Aldo is a man in the prime of his career.

There is no man in the lower weight divisions—save perhaps Anthony Pettis—who is as fluid, precise and devastating as Aldo. With 14 of his 23 victories coming by way of KO/TKO, Aldo is capable of finishing the fight at any time.

Dana White must be thanking his lucky stars that he has Aldo in 2014.

Now, all Aldo really needs is a very big push.

For fans of the combative sports, nothing keeps their interest more than a fighter who can end any fight at any time. It’s the greatest currency to be had in such sports, and that is why Aldo can indeed become a global star.

Some things sell themselves; now all he needs is maximum exposure so that more fans know it’s out there, waiting for them.

Thus far, Aldo has only fought in the UFC five times, headlining just three cards. Thankfully, his last three appearances have been in the headlining slot, which shows that the UFC is recognizing him as a man who can deliver the goods.

He’s already a big name in Brazil. Now all that remains is to take him into other markets. He could grow his name gradually in the featherweight division, but he would be better served by moving up to lightweight.

Aldo is a man designed for big bouts: He has already dominated the featherweight class, and a move up in weight would give him a fresh countryside to terrorize.

Fights with Nate Diaz, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gilbert Melendez, Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis could see him become the biggest name the lower divisions have ever seen. When you consider that he could fight for the 155-pound title right away, all that remains is to make sure his opponent gathers some momentum.

Another positive for Aldo in moving up is that the lightweight division has seen the title change hands three times since April of 2010. In comparison, Aldo has ruled the featherweights since November of 2009, stopping four out of eight opponents.

If Aldo could claim the title, he has a chance to grow his name as the man who dominated one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC.

If he were to defend his featherweight title two more times while Pettis defends his lightweight belt, a bout between the two of them would be one of the most exciting and anticipated fights the sport has seen in many years.

It would be the MMA equivalent to Erik Morales-Marco Antonio Barrera, and given how good both men are, it could give us a trilogy worthy of the comparison. Also, as champion, Aldo’s thrilling style would make for exciting fights with Diaz, Melendez and nearly everyone else in the Top 10 at 155.

And Aldo is in command of a style that could beat them all in highlight-reel fashion.

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