Khabib Nurmagomedov will defend his UFC lightweight championship in the main event at UFC 254. ‘The Eagle’ is currently undefeated in his professional career and will look to reach 29-0 by beating Justin Gaethje this weekend.
Nurmagomedov sat down with MMA media ahead of his main event title fight. Khabib spoke on the difficulties of having a training camp amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
When asked about his training camp, Khabib responded, “When they (UFC) asked me to fight in Abu Dhabi, we made a decision with Javier Mendez. I’m gonna make my half training camp in Dagestan and 45 days before the fight we’re gonna move to Dubai.”
Also on the card were Khabib’s teammate, Islam Makhachev, and Khabib’s cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov. Islam’s scheduled fight against Rafael dos Anjos was canceled after the former lightweight champion pulled out because of COVID-19.
Umar, on the other hand, was rushed to a hospital in Dubai due to a reported high fever. Umar was set to make his UFC debut on the preliminary card of UFC 254.
Khabib was asked if these issues affected him, and if he was trying to block it out. “I feel very bad for my brothers. I know how they work hard staying on their diet and their focus. It was bad news for us but who knows, who knows what’s gonna happen tomorrow?” Khabib concluded.
Khabib Nurmagomedov advises Islam Makhachev
‘The Eagle’ has touted his teammate Makhachev to be a World Champion one day. However, the lightweight contender has been finding it tough to get suitable fights in the UFC.
“I think because of how dangerous he is in the cage, and I think because of his ranking. A lot of guys like top five, top six, top seven don’t wanna fight him because it is a risk for them.”
“Right now, Islam’s position is very hard, but after one or two fights, everything is going to change. A lot of people are gonna want this fight after one year.
“Stay ready, keep training, and keep fighting. This is what he (Makhachev) needs right now.”
Khabib predicts a bright future for his teammate and advises him to stay focused and ready. Nurmagomedov will look to stay focused as well ahead of his title unification bout in the main event of UFC 254 against Justin Gaethje.
Also Read: “I’m Not Tony Ferguson” – Khabib Nurmagomedov Shuts Down Justin Gaethje’s Plan for UFC 254
