After (many would say prematurely) retiring from fighting in 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov continued to coach and train other fighters, including protege, friend, and successor, Islam Makhachev until last year, when he completely divorced himself from the sport to concentrate on his family.

However, despite this, he continues to be among the most buzz-worthy figures in the sport and is listened to seriously by fans and analysts alike. And the GOAT contender has said recently that he is not a fan of some of the UFC’s recent matchmakings, which he thinks “makes no sense”.

Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks Gaethje-Holloway is a mistake

Khabib Nurmagomedov, in an interview with MMA Mania, gave his opinion on the upcoming lightweight and featherweight matchups and explained how it had needlessly complicated future matchmaking in the divisions.

‘The Eagle’ felt that the UFC had made a mistake by booking Max Holloway vs Justin Gaethje for UFC 300, as he feels ‘The Human Highlight’ should be fighting Islam Makhachev for the title instead, and Holloway should have been preparing to fight newly minted featherweight champion Ilia Topuria next.

“All respect for Max Holloway but I don’t know and I don’t understand why UFC made this fight, Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway. Don’t make sense, it’s my opinion. My opinion, Holloway is supposed to fight Topuria next, maybe September,” he said. ‘The Eagle’ felt that this bout had needlessly complicated the two divisions, and gave his take on how they would have looked if everyone had stayed at their division.

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‘The Eagle’ gives Dana White advice on matchmaking

‘Khabib’ felt the UFC should have let the winner of the upcoming Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan UFC 300 no. 1 lightweight title contender bout fight the winner of Makhachev-Gaethje and felt the UFC-making Gaethje-Holloway had adversely affected two weight divisions since it didn’t leave Topuria with any clear opponent for his first title defense.

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“Justin Gaethje is supposed to fight with Islam, May-June, and Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira; they fight April, who[ever] wins vs [the winner of] Islam-Gaethje they supposed to fight end of the year in Abu Dhabi. This I think makes more sense.”

“Now Topuria, he’ll fight with who if Holloway loses? I don’t understand, no make sense why they don’t give Islam Justin Gaethje? Why they make him fight vs. Holloway,” Nurmagomedov added.

Do you agree with Khabib’s take?

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