“We Can Grapple”- Ahead of Israel Adesanya’s Fight at UFC 293, Khabib Nurmagomedov Offering to Train UFC MW Champ Years Ago Resurfaces on the Internet
Follow Us
Khabib Nurmagomedov was a different level of fighter than anyone he faced in his career. The Dagestani did not even lose one round in the UFC, let alone a fight. He was able to deal with all his opponents on the back of his excellent wrestling and ground game.
This is why he is a necessary fixture of any GOAT discussions. This, of course, has given rise to many fantasy matchups, such as, who would win if Jon Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov were the same size and fought each other. Nurmagomedov himself was asked his thoughts on whether he could beat middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at 185 pounds. His response is a testament to his greatness, class, and humility.
Don’t try to take his greatness: Khabib Nurmagomedov on comparisons with Israel Adesanya
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Last year, Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked what he thought of his manager claiming that he could beat Adesanya at 185. With his signature humility, the Dagestani was quick to dismiss the speculation. He said he was not going to fight him, and reminded the interviewer that Adesanya was a great champion and deserved respect for defending his belt for three years at that time. The former lightweight champion also felt the question was a little demeaning to ‘Izzy’ and all of his achievements.
“Don’t treat him like this” – Khabib defends Israel Adesanya pic.twitter.com/67x333wL0M
— calfkicker (@calfkickercom) August 20, 2023
“No, because I’m not going to fight at 185lbs, I’m not gonna fight him, right now this is his time, you know, don’t try to take his greatness you know,” he said. “How many years is he middleweight champion? Three? four? I think he deserves some respect. Don’t treat him like this by saying some lightweight can beat him easily,” he added.
Trending
Russian Gold Medallist Wrestler, Banned From Olympics 2024, Reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Advice for Him
May 12, 2024 06:45 PM EDT
“You’re Unbelievably Addicted” – Joe Rogan Told to “Seek Help” by Concerned Fans After “Hungover” Confession Post Taking the Day Off Caffeine
May 13, 2024 05:20 AM EDT
UFC President Dana White Leaves Retired US Navy Officer Mesmerized With a Reality Check on Entrepreneurship
May 13, 2024 01:25 PM EDT
Dana White Goes Against Joe Rogan’s Approval and “Listens to the Fans” to Confirm End of UFC Apex as MMA World Rejoices at Bold Decision
May 12, 2024 06:50 AM EDT
Concerns About Donald Cerrone’s Health Raised as Dana White Reveals $100,000 Payout for Twisted Steel’s Rider – “They Put a Bounty on Them”
May 13, 2024 05:51 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
‘The Eagle’ offers to train with Adesanya
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The undefeated fighter, however, did offer to train with Adesanya and work on his grappling, as he had done for many fighters of different weight classes in the UFC.
“If he wants to grapple, we can grapple, you know. In the gym. Like I did lately with all these heavyweights, light heavyweights, middleweights. People talk about this, I didn’t say this. I don’t agree with this,” Nurmagomedov said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
One of the most endearing things about Nurmagomedov is his lack of ego, simplicity, and humility. Anyone who has had dealings with the former champion has only good things to say about him. And while he may face criticisms for not having enough title defenses to cement his legacy as the greatest and fighting sub-par opponents for the most part, it is easy to see why so many consider him the GOAT.
Watch This Story – Coach Mike Tyson sends a 2 word message to Francis Ngannou ahead of his fight against Tyson Fury
Edited by:
Abhishek Das