“Anderson Silva told me…” World Cup winner Ronaldo Nazario shocks Khabib Nurmagomedov with special story on UFC legend

Khabib Nurmagomedov has a fanboy moment meeting Ronaldo Nazario at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as the football icon recalls Anderson Silva's prediction about Khabib's greatness.

“Anderson Silva told me…” World Cup winner Ronaldo Nazario shocks Khabib Nurmagomedov with special story on UFC legend

Anderson Silva predicted Khabib Nurmagomedov to be great to Ronaldo Nazario (Image via: Instagram/Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ronaldo Nazario)

Retired UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov had a fanboy moment at the 2023 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Nurmagomedov is an avid football fan and has a close friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo. Moreover, he is also a fan of Ronaldo Nazario of Brazil. At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Nurmagomedov met Nazario and was starstruck. Nurmagomedov already met Nazario in 2015 when Nazario was with Anderson Silva.

Nurmagomedov and Nazario engaged in a friendly conversation at the event. The retired Russian champion was enthusiastic about meeting the football icon. Moreover, Nazario had an interesting story to say about “The Eagle” from Dagestan from their first meeting. This is what Nazario had to say.

Anderson Silva told me…....He's gonna be the best fighter in the world. In the whole time.
Ronaldo Nazario to Khabib Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi.
YouTube video

Nazario saw Nurmagomedov a long time back in Las Vegas. He was with fellow Brazilian sporting icon Anderson Silva. Silva sang praises of Nurmagomedov to Nazario and even predicted that the Russian would become the best ever. Silva’s prediction did come true as “The Eagle” is always mentioned in GOAT debates.

FS Video

In addition to Nurmagomedov, Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson, and Fedor Emelianenko are the other names in GOAT debates. In a recent list by MMA Junkie of the best UFC fighters, Georges St-Pierre was the number-one fighter. Jones, Johnson, Silva, and Nurmagomedov filled positions 2 to 5. Emelianenko was not on the list, as he never competed in the UFC.

Khabib Nurmagomedov fondly remembers Ronaldo Nazario’s record-breaking single-season stint with FC Barcelona

Ronaldo Nazario’s nickname was O Fenomeno, which translates to ‘The Phenomenon.’ The nickname was apt as he had record-breaking stints with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and PSV Eindhoven before signing with Barcelona. In a recent interaction with Khabib Nurmagomedov, the Russian recalled a fond memory of his idol.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a fan of Ronaldo Nazario
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a fan of Ronaldo Nazario (Image via: X/Khabib Nurmagomedov, UEFA Champions League)

Nazario already recalled the time when Anderson Silva predicted the success of Nurmagomedov. Ronaldo’s stint in Barcelona was one of the greatest seasons for the Brazilian legend. This is what Nurmagomedov had to say about Ronaldo’s stint in Barcelona. 

You play 47 games for Barcelona and scored 49, this numbers!

Nurmagomedov is very knowledgeable about football statistics. When Manel Kape was in AKA, Nurmagomedov and Kape conversed about the UEFA Champions League, where Kape was surprised by the Russian’s knowledge. His friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo was also well-documented. Ronaldo predicted Nurmagomedov to triumph at UFC 229 against Conor McGregor.

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