Grappling Event Set After Massive IV Dispute as Khabib’s Team to Fight Against Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Craig Jones’ Team in Kazakhstan

Published 05/28/2023, 6:04 AM EDT

The Dagestani warriors are undeniably infamous for their superior grappling skills. The one man who established Dagestani grappling in the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has taken a leave from fighting, assumed the role of a coach, and then retired peacefully. However, the songs of his feats in MMA are still sung by fans and professionals alike.

After Nurmagomedov’s student, Islam Makhachev, faced off against Alexander Volkanovski, it was their teams’ turn to have a grappling duel. However, with accusations of Makhachev’s IV use, things began to go down a whirlpool for the Dagestani team.

In the recent episode of ‘The Simple Man Podcast’, professional grapplers, Nicky Rodriguez, Damien Anderson, and Ethan Crelinsten, revealed that B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, headed by Volkanovski’s coach, Craig Jones, was set to land against Team Khabib in a grappling event. Thereafter, the Crelinsten was asked whether he would fight ‘The Eagle’ and be able to make him submit. Without a doubt, Crelinsten declared that it would be a tough job, indeed.

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Professional grapplers commend Khabib Nurmagomedov and his skills

In episode 26 of ‘The Simple Man Podcast’, the two-time ADCC trials winner Ethan Crelinsten, declared that in an upcoming grappling event, Team B would compete against Team Khabib’s sambo squad. He said, “It’s a team event in Kazakhstan. Almaty, Kazakhstan. Where it’s B-Team versus Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team.”

He was then asked whether Nurmagomedov was competing in the event. Crelinsten replied that although it would be “insane” if Khabib was on the team. The former UFC champion was simply coaching. He further explained the weight categories in the event. He said, “We’ve got the team together: 91kg+, -99kg, all the way down to 60kg, under 60kg. So, it’s seven guys spread out across those weight categories…. It’s not quintet style, it’s duel, so weight class vs. weight class. And I think there is a tier system, so a points win is something and a sub win is two points, or something like that.”

“Gods of Grappling”: Rare Photo of Khabib Nurmagomedov Hugging MMA Pioneer Royce Gracie Sends Fans in Meltdown

Then, the ‘Black Belt Slayer’ asked Crelinsten if he would fight a 200 lbs Nurmagomedov. Crelinsten replied, “I would, that would be crazy! But he’s probably really good.” Anderson then asked if Crelinsten believed he could submit the Dagestani mixed martial artist. The grappler couldn’t stop praising Nurmagomedov’s grappling prowess. Although he believed in his ability to submit Nurmagomedov, he admitted that it would be no easy feat.

The upcoming fight comes with a narrative with Volkanovski accusing Islam Makhachev of taking IVs after their fight at UFC 284.

Islam Makhachev trapped in IV controversy

Previously, Volkanovski opened up to Ariel Helwani and claimed that Makhachev used intravenous injections. He said, “I’d say he was about 81kg [178lbs]. You fuel up pretty quick with IVs and stuff like that.”

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Mandatory blood test by AUS commission, Wednesday morning right before media and photo shoot.
Ask hooker find the nurse with commission, she can confirm https://t.co/Vm3uZMR2zH
— Rizvan Magomedov (@Rizvan_RM) February 14, 2023

Furthermore, Rizwan Magomedov, the lightweight champion’s co-manager, took to Twitter and addressed the accusations. He tweeted that the AUS commission mandated a blood test right before media and photo shoot obligations. He further stated that the nurse who was working with the commission can confirm the facts.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Khabib Nurmagomedov thug life moments

What are your thoughts on Team Khabib versus B-Team face-off? Let us know in the comments down below.

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Written by:

Krushna Pattnaik is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports, with a deep passion for martial arts and storytelling. His extensive training in BJJ, Tae-Kwon-Do, and Muay Thai has given him a unique perspective on the sport of MMA, and his love for analyzing fights is evident in his exceptional writing. Krushna's personal experience in the ring has given him a deep understanding of the intricacies of a bout, and he brings this knowledge to his writing, providing readers with insightful and engaging content.

Edited by:

Rohini Kottu

Grappling Event Set After Massive IV Dispute as Khabib’s Team to Fight Against Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Craig Jones’ Team in Kazakhstan

Professional grapplers commend Khabib Nurmagomedov and his skills

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Islam Makhachev trapped in IV controversy