Khabib Nurmagomedov names the best Russian fighters in each weight class


Khabib Nurmagomedov names the best Russian fighters in each weight class

Khamzat Chimaev, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev

Khabib Nurmagomedov is the greatest Russian mixed martial artist to have ever lived. The Dagestani fighter retired from the sport of MMA after beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. His record stood at an impressive 29 wins and 0 losses. Although, many fancied Khabib to return to the sport, he kept his word.

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Today, he is an MMA coach, a promoter and a professional football player (not confirmed following Ali Abdelaziz’s denial). In a recent interview with RT Sport, Khabib Nurmagomedov named the best Russian fighters in each weight class starting from flyweight to the heavyweight division.

“Askar is very close to the title” – Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib picked Askar Askarov to become the next flyweight champion. He claimed that he had the capability to dismount Brandon Moreno. Here is what Khabib had to say: “Brandon Moreno is the current UFC champion. And Askar had a draw with him. Askar is very close to the title.”

In the bantamweight division, ‘The Eagle’ picked Petr Yan. Yan was the bantamweight champion until he lost the title in a dramatic fashion to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259. The pair are set to rematch once again this year. About Yan, Khabib said: “At bantamweight, it’s Petr Yan.”

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Zabit Magomedsharipov was the fighter Khabib picked in the featherweight division. The fighter who is down and out with some health issues, is expected to bounce back soon. Khabib was quoted as saying: “At featherweight, it’s Zabit Magomedovsharipov. Zuba hasn’t become ranked yet, so we’re waiting for that. There are big expectations for his future.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov picks Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev

In the lightweight division, he picked his fellow Dagestani brother, whom he coaches currently – Islam Makhachev. Many believe Makhachev would be the one to carry on Khabib’s legacy. Speaking about Makhachev, Khabib said: “He’s already a UFC title contender.”

Khamzat Chimaev for the welterweight division was never in doubt as well. Khabib said: “I think Khamzat has a good chance. He’s doing very well.”

Although, Khabib couldn’t name anyone from the middleweight division of the UFC. He picked a fighter from Russia’s Absolute Championship Akhmat – Magomed Ismailov. ‘The Eagle felt that Magomed Ankalaev of the UFC could go a long way in clinching the light-heavyweight title.

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