Donald Trump Names His Favorite UFC Fighter and it’s NOT who you expect

Donald Trump Favorite MMA Fighter Khabib CovingtonColby Covington is likely punching air somewhere while wearing his Donald Trump themed jammies. This week, on a live…

Donald Trump Favorite MMA Fighter Khabib Covington

Colby Covington is likely punching air somewhere while wearing his Donald Trump themed jammies. This week, on a live stream, presidential candidate Donald Trump named his favorite UFC fighter; and it’s not the MAGA-obsessed welterweight.

Donald Trump Favorite MMA Fighter

Sitting down with video game streamer Adin Ross, the New York-born Donald Trump discussed a whole host of things including his favorite UFC fighter. Trump has long been a supporter of the UFC and MMA. Dana White, UFC president, has spoken at his conventions in multiple years. Trump even helped support the UFC with his casinos when the organization was struggling. The luxury hotel owner was also a financial backer of UFC competitor Affliction.

Donald Trump said:

“Well, I think Khabib. Khabib was 29-0, and then his father died and he stopped. I think he never lost a round. He fought many times, he never lost a round. I got to meet him at a fight, two fights ago, as I walked in with Dana… I met Khabib and he said ‘You are the man who could stop the war’ talking about the war in Ukraine and Russia” [Ht BJPenn]

Donald Trump says his favorite UFC fighter in history is the Dagestani-Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov retired as the lightweight world champion with an unbeaten record in his professional career. Along the way, the Russian had defeated notable fighters such as Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and his rival Conor McGregor.

Welterweight contender Colby Covington must be upset at this news. For years ‘Choas’ Covington has read Trump books in public, wore MAGA hats to press conferences, and even worn clothing with the face of Donald Trump on it. To be so obsessed with this man and then have him not like you back must feel like a slap in the face.

Additionally, Trump once watched Covington compete but walked out when he was speaking. To add, Colby Covington is certainly not a fan of Khabib Nurmagomedov who he has trash-talked repeatedly, about his family, manager, and training partners.

Colby Covington MAGA Donald Trump

Colby Covington is winless in his multiple bids to become a UFC champion. Since 2020 he has earned a UFC record of 2-3. The US-born ‘Choas’ is largely known for his antics outside of the octagon.

Javier Mendez Chooses Between Khabib & Umar Nurmagomedov In Striking, Grappling, Mental Toughness, & Chin

Islam Makhachev may have picked up where the great Khabib Nurmagomedov left off with dominating the lightweight division, but his legacy has also been continued by his own family. There are a lot of parallels in the careers of Khabib and his younger cousin Umar Nurmagomedov. Both have been incredibly dominant inside the Octagon but […]

Continue Reading Javier Mendez Chooses Between Khabib & Umar Nurmagomedov In Striking, Grappling, Mental Toughness, & Chin at MMA News.

Islam Makhachev may have picked up where the great Khabib Nurmagomedov left off with dominating the lightweight division, but his legacy has also been continued by his own family.

There are a lot of parallels in the careers of Khabib and his younger cousin Umar Nurmagomedov.

Both have been incredibly dominant inside the Octagon but during their climbs, were held back by injuries and issues with finding opponents.

Eventually, “The Eagle” was undeniable and proved himself to be a top-tier lightweight and that’s what happened in the bantamweight division with Umar this past weekend.

His win over Cory Sandhagen means that just like Islam and his cousin before him, he’s arrived at the top at long last.

Javier Mendez Says Khabib Was A Better Grappler But Umar Nurmagomedov Is Already A Better Striker

In a recent interview with The Schmo, AKA head coach Javier Mendez was asked to compare Umar and Khabib as fighters, given where the undefeated 135-pound contender is at right now.

Mendez is very high on Umar’s potential and went on to say that with Islam being four years older than him, Khabib’s cousin could go on to claim the position of being the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world at some stage.

He spoke about what separates the two cousins, by running down which one has the edge in terms of their skill set and toughness.

“Well as far as skills at this juncture of their careers, that’s a tough one you hit me with. I would say that Khabib’s ground is still top notch. Umar’s ground is great but Khabib was just another level but again, Khabib’s stand up wasn’t up to where Umar’s is on par. But, as far as their mental, their mental is fairly comparable. Khabib’s chin’s granite, I’ve never seen anybody have a chin like Khabib. Umar has got a great chin as he proved from the last fight when he got dropped and he was able to go for the takedown as he was being dropped but I guess the chin level would have to go with Khabib but the mental toughness, I think they’re pretty equal, mental toughness. I mean Umar is a tough customer man.”

Read also: Umar Nurmagomedov ‘Not Happy’ With Performance Against Cory Sandhagen At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi: ‘I Thought I Would Maul Him’

Continue Reading Javier Mendez Chooses Between Khabib & Umar Nurmagomedov In Striking, Grappling, Mental Toughness, & Chin at MMA News.

‘One of the best’ Khabib Nurmagomedov responds to Tony Ferguson’s half-Retirement

‘One of the Best’ Khabib Nurmagomedov Responds to Tony Ferguson’s Half-RetirementOne of the greatest rivalries without a conclusion gained some more attention overnight, with former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib…

‘One of the Best’ Khabib Nurmagomedov Responds to Tony Ferguson’s Half-Retirement

One of the greatest rivalries without a conclusion gained some more attention overnight, with former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov wishing former interim champion, Tony Ferguson well in his potential retirement from mixed martial arts.

Featuring on the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi overnight in a welterweight return, veteran contender, Ferguson suffered a record-setting eight straight Octagon loss, in the form of a first round rear-naked choke submission loss against Michael Chiesa.

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Laying a sole glove on the Octagon canvas in a potential retirement, Oxnard veteran, Ferguson claimed he would bring the second glove home with him to discuss a career end with his wife and family.

However, just moments later, Ferguson claimed it was not the right time to end his tenure in combat sports, before tossing his glove to a member of the crowd – and alluding to a potential move to a different promotion if Dana White fails to continue booking him.

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“We go figure out something else,” Tony Ferguson told assembled media after UFC Abu Dhabi. “If those fans out there are willing to spend thousands of dollars and fly and come watch me compete somewhere. I guarantee you they’re going to follow me somewhere. And that’s hte humblest thing I can f*cking say, because no matter where I’m at, no matter what I’m doing, I’m going to get better and better and better.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov wishes Tony Ferguson well in retirement

Nevertheless, a former long-time foe of Ferguson’s – the above-mentioned, Nurmagomedov labelled The Ultimate Fighter 13 one of the greatest fighters of all time.

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“It’s not a surprise for me because he’s 40 years old,” Khabib Nurmagomedov said. “I just want to wish him all of the best! He’s truly on the best to ever do it in UFC. I just want to wish him all the best His life is just beginning.”

Do you think Tony Ferguson will retire after his UFC Abu Dhabi loss?

Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili

After having his own run in the UFC as a dominant undefeated champion years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now helping to mentor others toward their own reigns. Islam Makhachev already has secured the lightweight title, and now cousin Umar Nurmagomedov may be next. Umar secured a clear decision win over Cory Sandhagen in the main […]

Continue Reading Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

After having his own run in the UFC as a dominant undefeated champion years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now helping to mentor others toward their own reigns. Islam Makhachev already has secured the lightweight title, and now cousin Umar Nurmagomedov may be next.

Umar secured a clear decision win over Cory Sandhagen in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The bout seemingly served as a bantamweight title eliminator, and “The Young Eagle” is most likely next in line to challenge the winner of the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title fight that takes place at The Sphere on September 14.

Following Umar’s win, Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked about his thoughts on who his cousin might have a better matchup with when it comes to claiming the gold. The former lightweight champion says the undefeated up-and-comer will be prepared regardless of who is holding the title.

That’s not to say he doesn’t have a preference, though…

Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Cousin Umar Nurmagomedov Is Ready To Be UFC Champion

“I want Merab to be honest, because he’s from Georgia. [Dagestan and Georgia are] neighbors. I want Merab to win because it’s going to be a very interesting fight. White papakha vs. black papakha. But if O’Malley wins, it’s going to be white papakha vs. pink papakha.

“He’s going to be good competition for O’Malley. A very good fight, high-level fight for all of the fans all over the world. It’s not easy to beat Umar. And it’s not easy to beat Merab or Sean O’Malley. This is high level. Anything can happen, but in my opinion, Umar is ready.”

Umar Nurmagomedov is now 6-0 in the UFC (and 18-0 overall) since entering the promotion in 2021.

O’Malley, meanwhile, won the bantamweight championship by defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. He retained the title against Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in Miami this past March.

For his part, Dvalishvili has won 10 straight fights, clinching himself a title shot after defeating former champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February.

Continue Reading Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

Cory Sandhagen ready to apologize to Umar and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Cory Sandhagen ready to apologize to Umar and Khabib NurmagomedovAhead of his return at UFC Abu Dhabi tonight, surging bantamweight contender, Cory Sandhagen has plans to apologize to…

Cory Sandhagen ready to apologize to Umar and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Ahead of his return at UFC Abu Dhabi tonight, surging bantamweight contender, Cory Sandhagen has plans to apologize to both opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov, as well as his coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov – claiming he will need to after he beats the Russian definitively in the Middle East.

Sandhagen, the streaking number two ranked bantamweight challenger, has won his last three straight fights – snapping a two-fight losing skid against former champions, T.J. Dillashaw, and Petr Yan.

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Last featuring in Nashville last year, Sandhagen, under the tutelage of head coach, Trevor Wittman, most recently bested Rob Font in a dominant unanimous decision victory. 

Prior to that, Sandhagen turned back both most recent title challenger, Marlon Vera with a decision win, before forcing a doctor’s stoppage TKO win over Song Yadong in two back-to-back main event clashes.

Cory Sandhagen set to fight Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi main event in August
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel – USA TODAY Sports & Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Cory Sandhagen vows to hand Umar Nurmagomedov loss

And rescheduled to take on the surging, promotional-perfect contender, Nurmagomedov tonight in the United Arab Emirates, former interim title challenger, Sandhagen claims an apology on his behalf will be in order – when he beats the Russian tonight.

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“I’m gonna prove that I’m better than him [Umar Nurmagomedov],” Cory Sandhagen told Daniel Cormier during a recent interview. “On Saturday, I plan on shaking Khabib’s (Nurmagomedov) hand, I plan on shaking Umar’s hand and apologizing and saying ‘I’m sorry that I had to beat you.’”

“Go win a couple more fights, and we can fight for the belt, that’s how I see it in my head,” Cory Sandhagen explained. “That’s how I’ve been seeing it in my head for the last 12 weeks.”

Competing for an interim bantamweight crown against the above-mentioned Dudinka native, Yan back in 2021, Sandhagen appeared on short-notice in the Middle East, suffering a decision loss over the course of five rounds. 

Who wins tonight in the Middle East: Cory Sandhagen or Umar Nurmagomedov?

Javier Mendez Describes Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Evolution As A Coach: ‘He Even Demonstrates Striking Techniques To Perfection’

The biggest fight of Umar Nurmagomedov’s career goes down this weekend and he will have his family right beside him for it. He faces Cory Sandhagen in the main event in Abu Dhabi, where the former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner. After achieving great success as a coach after his […]

Continue Reading Javier Mendez Describes Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Evolution As A Coach: ‘He Even Demonstrates Striking Techniques To Perfection’ at MMA News.

The biggest fight of Umar Nurmagomedov’s career goes down this weekend and he will have his family right beside him for it.

He faces Cory Sandhagen in the main event in Abu Dhabi, where the former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner.

After achieving great success as a coach after his retirement, “The Eagle” decided to take a step back for a while before returning to corner Islam Makhachev at UFC 302.

He’s now agreed with AKA head coach Javier Mendez that he will corner certain fighters including Makhachev and his own cousins, in undefeated bantamweight contender Umar and the Bellator lightweight champion Usman.

Mendez spoke on fight week about how despite Khabib having some areas to improve as a corner, his ability as a coach is already top notch.

Javier Mendez Says Khabib Nurmagomedov Even Coaches Striking Perfectly

In a recent interview with Helen Yee Sports, Mendez spoke about what it’s like to have coach Khabib back working with him in the corner.

He said that Nurmagomedov, in many ways, has taken up his late father’s mantle in being a figure for all the other fighters in the gym to follow and listen to.

“Khabib is more the leader, he runs everything just like his father did and I come in and I do my little bits here and there. For the most part, I do what I’ve been always doing. I come in and I do my thing and Khabib, in all honesty, has always been coaching these guys even when he was fighting.

“so the only difference this time around for Umar is now he gets to have the great one in his corner also so having him in the corner with me is fantastic. My only thing when he corners is he’s going to go crazy.”

Whilst having Nurmagomedov in the corner is obviously a massive asset, Mendez did say that he has had to give his former student some words of advice in regards to keeping his composure whilst being in the corner.

He said that this is his only real feedback though as the former champion has got all other bases covered, including his ability to teach striking.

“Those are little tiny things that I give him, little things like that, everything else he has. His instruction is great, I mean he even demonstrates the striking techniques to perfection now. He knows. Khabib knows.”

Read also: UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

Continue Reading Javier Mendez Describes Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Evolution As A Coach: ‘He Even Demonstrates Striking Techniques To Perfection’ at MMA News.