Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Teammate Zubaira Tukhugov Misses Weight for UFC 253
Follow Us
Zubaira Tukhugov is set to face Hakeem Dawodu this weekend at UFC 253. However, a teammate of UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, Zubaira came in over the weight limit of a non-title featherweight fight. The UFC has not yet given any confirmation on the status of the fight.
Zubaira weighed in four pounds over the non-title fight featherweight limit of 146 pounds. On the other hand, Dawodu weighed in at 145 pounds. Apart from Tukhugov, late replacement L’udovit Klein also weighed in at 150 pounds for his featherweight fight against Shane Young.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Barring any medical hurdles, they will most likely step inside the Octagon this weekend. In all likelihood, they will end up forfeiting a portion of their purse to their respective opponents.
Zubaira Tukhugov feels it’s different fighting without Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father
The MMA community mourned the loss of the father of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Abdulmanap Nurmagoemdov, earlier this year. A highly acclaimed coach, Abdulmanap had played a pivotal role in the development of fighters from in and around Dagestan. Therefore, his absence is something that Zubaira can’t overlook.
“Yes, this is different,” Tukhugov said at UFC 253 media day. “Abdulmanap, he’s close with me, he helps me, I feel better. He’s now not here, it’s very sad. It’s not good. We need to keep going.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Dana White, Howie Mandel Finally Come Face to Face but Refuse to Reveal Reason Behind Podcast Walk Off
March 27, 2024 10:46 PM EDT
UFC News: Concerned on Jon Jones’ Injury, Dana White Confirms Next Move for Tom Aspinall
March 26, 2024 06:55 PM EDT
Who Is Charles Oliveira’s Girlfriend Vitoria Brum? Everything You Need to Know About ’Do Bronx’s Life Outside of UFC
November 05, 2023 06:00 AM EST
Dana White Takes a Firm Stand for Joe Rogan After Spotify Controversy – “Wasn’t Going Around Using the Word”
March 28, 2024 04:06 AM EDT
Dana White Left in Splits After Howie Mandel Gets Mistaken for Joe Rogan as Sage Steele Responds in a Hilarious Fashion
March 28, 2024 12:51 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Zubaira Tukhugov caught the attention of the MMA media at UFC 229 post-fight melee. People began referring to him as the fighter in Khabib’s corner who punched Conor McGregor during the brawl. Due to his involvement in the brawl, the Nevada State Athletic Commission handed him a ban of one year.
While talking to RT Sport, Zubaira had also brought up the role of Abdulmanap in his successful weight last year. Looking at how his weight cut turned out, it seems that he could’ve used some help from the veteran coach had he been around.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“When I was getting nervous about my weight cut he came to me and encouraged me. I’m having problems now and I think: ‘If Abdulmanap was here, I’d give him all my trust and cut weight easily.’ But, what can you do? That’s life. One day you’re here, the next day you’re gone. He’s no longer with us, sadly,” Zubaira told RT Sport.
While he can’t change anything about his weight now, he will still look to go inside the Octagon and dominate his opponent. A solid performance could open the door for him into the top 15 of the division.