“When Islam will go up, there will be another champion,” comments the former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov
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Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira
It’s been almost 8 months, since ‘The Eagle’ Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from UFC. Khabib may be retired from active competition but he is still staying relevant in the field of mixed martial arts.
Khabib has started training and coaching the fighters from Dagestan to compete at the highest level of the sport. Along with this, Charles Oliveira successfully grabbed the throne that once belonged to Khabib at UFC 262.
Since then everyone was waiting for his reaction on Oliveira holding the belt that was once wrapped around his waist. In his recent interview with Sports 24, ‘The Eagle’ shared his thoughts on ‘Do Bronx’ being the new champion of the Lightweight division.
Khabib says, “He seems to have eight wins in a row, so many early finishes. As I remember, only against Tony Ferguson did he have a full fight? I think Oliveira is a very worthy champion. Many finishes, many records in the UFC.”
“It would be a shame if Michael Chandler won. Two fights in the UFC and already a champion? That would somehow be wrong. And Charles Oliveira has progressed very much. This is a worthy champion. I’m glad for him.” {H/T MMA Mania}
Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Dustin Poirier will dethrone Oliveira
After the match between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler at UFC 262, the next big match at Lightweight division is lined up between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier for UFC 264.
Although nothing is official yet, it is assumed that the winner of this match will face Oliveira for his first title defense. Khabib believes Poirier is the one who is going to win this and dethrone ‘Do Bronx’ from the Lightweight throne.
But only till Islam Makhachev rises in the rankings. Khabib says, “But when Islam Makhachev rises in the rankings, Oliveira will no longer be champion, The main thing is that Oliveira should understand my words correctly.”
“I respect him, he is a worthy champion. But when Islam will go up, there will be another champion within the year. In my eyes, it will be Dustin Poirier.” {H/T MMA Mania}
In his way, Khabib said until when Makhachev will be fighting for the title, Poirier will be holding it. Do you agree with Khabib’s prediction?
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Shivansh Thakur
(1173 Articles Published)