https://www.scmp.com/rss/502560/feed Khabib Nurmagomedov is a Russian MMA fighter who won the UFC lightweight championship in April 2018. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov liked what he saw in Saygid Izagakhmaev’s recent ONE Championship debut. Izagakhmaev, one of Nurmagomedov’s many students out of Dagestan, Russia, made his debut at last Friday’s ONE: Heavy Hitters event in Singapore, defeating former welterweight title challenger James Nakashima by second-round submission in a lightweight contest. The victory earned the 27-year-old a $US50,000 post-fight performance bonus, and “The Eagle” shared his thoughts... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3163740/one-championship-khabib-nurmagomedov-claims?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3163740/one-championship-khabib-nurmagomedov-claims?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Jan 2022 15:24:03 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov was in rough shape when he arrived in Singapore for ONE Championship’s latest event, according to the organisation’s CEO Chatri Sityodtong. The former UFC lightweight champion travelled to Singapore to corner his fellow Russian Saygid Izagakhmaev in a lightweight fight with James Nakashima at Friday’s ONE: Heavy Hitters event. Nurmagomedov (29-0) subsequently tested positive for Covid-19, and was forced to lock himself away in his hotel room rather than aid his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3163492/one-khabib-felt-completely-terrible-testing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3163492/one-khabib-felt-completely-terrible-testing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Jan 2022 21:13:57 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov may yet come out of retirement for a titanic showdown with his successor to the UFC’s lightweight throne, according to commentator Joe Rogan. “The Eagle” walked away from MMA and vacated his belt in October 2020, telling UFC president Dana White “I am levels above these guys”. But Charles Oliveira has since cemented his status as a worthy challenger. “Do Bronx” claimed the vacant title with a second-round TKO of Michael Chandler, before successfully defending it against... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3161344/ufc-joe-rogan-thinks-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3161344/ufc-joe-rogan-thinks-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Dec 2021 17:59:30 +0000 Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired from MMA in October last year, has been signed by third-tier Russian football club Legion Dynamo. Nurmagomedov announced his retirement following his submission victory over American Justin Gaethje on October 24, his first fight following the death of his father Abdulmanap from complications caused by Covid-19. Fulfilling a promise made to his mother, the undefeated 32-year-old left the cage after a stunning run of 13 UFC wins in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3145092/ufc-legend-khabib-nurmagomedov-signs-russian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3145092/ufc-legend-khabib-nurmagomedov-signs-russian?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Aug 2021 04:21:04 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov granted a special birthday wish to a 66-year-old superfan who braved the searing Las Vegas summer heat to try to get a picture with her idol. UFC president Dana White saw a video of Nelly Gonzalez standing in temperatures of 40.5 degrees Celsius holding a sign reading “khabib plz 4 photo” outside the promotion’s Apex headquarters, following a four-hour drive from Lancaster, California. “I love him very much and that I just want to meet him in person,” Gonzalez – who has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3141225/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-grants-birthday-wish?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3141225/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-grants-birthday-wish?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jul 2021 08:10:03 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov wasn’t surprised in the least that Dustin Poirier walked away victorious against Conor McGregor again at UFC 264. Former lightweight champion Nurmagomedov – who retired undefeated last October – will forever be associated with the Irishman, following their heated 2018 showdown where he submitted him to retain his belt. And in an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto on Monday, the Dagestan native reacted to Saturday night’s dramatic main event, where former two-division champ... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140912/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-insists-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140912/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-insists-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:28:57 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov was quick to revel in Conor McGregor’s defeat to Dustin Poirier by doctor stoppage in Saturday night’s UFC 264 main event. Former two weight champ McGregor (22-6) suffered a broken leg in the final seconds of the first round, with referee Herb Dean waiving it off after the buzzer at the T-Mobile Arena. “Good always defeats evil,” tweeted former lightweight champ Nurmagomedov (29-0), who submitted McGregor in October 2018 and Poirier a year later. “Very happy for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140679/ufc-264-khabib-nurmagomedov-mocks-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140679/ufc-264-khabib-nurmagomedov-mocks-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jul 2021 09:20:20 +0000 Tony Ferguson may be fighting Beneil Dariush this weekend at UFC 262, but “El Cucuy” took a dig at Michael Chandler during Thursday night’s press conference in Houston. Chandler faces Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in Saturday night’s main event. Though former UFC interim champ Ferguson feels the former Bellator king has been given a leg up since switching promotions last year and making a stunning debut with a first-round TKO of Dan Hooker in January. “You [expletive] dodged... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3133489/ufc-262-tony-ferguson-decries-michael?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3133489/ufc-262-tony-ferguson-decries-michael?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 May 2021 08:30:01 +0000 Tony Ferguson has continued his trash talking of now officially retired Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) via Twitter. Ferguson, the former interim lightweight champion (26-5), whose five previous scheduled bouts with “The Eagle” all fell through for various reasons, once again called the Dagestani a “fathead” via Twitter and said he should have a record of “29-1”. The undefeated Russian star, who last fought Justin Gaethje in 2020, met with UFC president Dana White last week before the pair confirmed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126454/ufc-tony-ferguson-continues-his-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126454/ufc-tony-ferguson-continues-his-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:18:46 +0000 In his first interview since “officially” retiring this week, Khabib Nurmagomedov insisted he has no regrets about calling it a career at the age of 32. The undefeated former UFC lightweight champion (29-0) hung up his gloves in a shock announcement after submitting Justin Gaethje last October, but the promotion’s president Dana White has since tried to convince him to come back for one more fight. Nurmagomedov insisted he never contemplated returning, though. “No. Dana called this official... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126328/ufc-khabib-numagomedov-says-he-doesnt-need?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126328/ufc-khabib-numagomedov-says-he-doesnt-need?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Mar 2021 06:43:42 +0000 Confirmation of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s “official” retirement has shaken up the former UFC lightweight champion’s division, with several contenders already weighing in. The undefeated Russian (29-0) met UFC president Dana White last week before the pair confirmed they had respectfully parted ways, with Nurmagomedov’s vacated belt to be contested between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira. Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson, whose five previous scheduled bouts with “The Eagle” all fell through for various... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126166/ufc-tony-ferguson-tells-fathead-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126166/ufc-tony-ferguson-tells-fathead-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Mar 2021 08:59:26 +0000 Dana White has finally given up his seeming lost cause of convincing Khabib Nurmagomedov to come back to the Octagon for one last fight, with the UFC president confirming his lightweight champ has called it quits. The UFC president had dinner with the Russian in Las Vegas on Thursday night, and posted a picture of them together on Twitter saying “29-0 it is … he is [100 emoji] officially retired”. “Thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend,” White added, with the UFC quickly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126129/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-officially-retires?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3126129/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-officially-retires?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Mar 2021 06:39:39 +0000 No 12-ranked UFC lightweight contender Kevin Lee supports Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement plans, but doesn’t think they will stick. Lightweight champ Nurmagomedov (29-0) announced his retirement after a submission victory over Justin Gaethje (22-3) at UFC 254 last October, but promotional president Dana White remains optimistic the 32-year-old Russian will continue fighting. “I think the man should go ahead and retire,” Lee, who has previously campaigned for a fight with Nurmagomedov, told SCMP... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122878/ufc-khabib-should-vacate-lightweight-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122878/ufc-khabib-should-vacate-lightweight-title?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:00:43 +0000 You can never say never in mixed martial arts, but it looks like Khabib Nurmagomedov has finally closed the door on fighting Georges St-Pierre. The retired UFC lightweight champion – whom promotional president Dana White is determined to bring back to the Octagon for one more fight – has been keen on facing the Canadian legend for years. Former welterweight and middleweight champ St-Pierre (26-2) retired for the second time in 2018, but has been holding out hope for a dream clash with the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122772/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-shuts-door-georges-st?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3122772/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-shuts-door-georges-st?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Feb 2021 07:37:05 +0000 UFC president Dana White still isn’t giving up hope on getting Khabib Nurmagomedov back in the Octagon. The undefeated lightweight champ (29-0) announced his shock retirement after submitting Justin Gaethje (22-3) on Fight Island last October. The 32-year-old Russian revealed he promised his mother it would be his last fight following the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap. White met Nurmagomedov last month for talks in Abu Dhabi before Dustin Poirier (27-6) knocked out Conor McGregor... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3121634/ufc-dana-white-not-buying-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3121634/ufc-dana-white-not-buying-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Feb 2021 04:47:38 +0000 The UFC’s lightweight division is a hot mess now. Dustin Poirier shocked the world over the weekend, dropping Conor McGregor in the second round of their main event in Abu Dhabi. McGregor, at times, looked brilliant, but was ultimately exposed as human in what has become the most interesting division in the mixed martial arts world. Poirier’s win was one for the ages, given most had counted out “Diamond” long before the two fighters even made their way to the Middle East and into the Yas Island... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119269/ufc-257-khabib-nurmagomedov-walking-away?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119269/ufc-257-khabib-nurmagomedov-walking-away?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Jan 2021 10:00:08 +0000 Nate Diaz managed to take down Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier all in one tweet as he continues to poke fun at the UFC’s lightweight division. The 35-year-old American (20-12), who has fought at lightweight and welterweight with the promotion in the past, has not fought since losing to Jorge Masvidal via third-round doctor’s stoppage for the ‘BMF’ belt in 2019. Diaz clearly took issue with last weekend’s UFC 257 headliner between Poirier and McGregor: “U [McGregor] and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119279/ufc-nate-diaz-rips-khabib-nurmagomedov-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119279/ufc-nate-diaz-rips-khabib-nurmagomedov-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Jan 2021 07:23:23 +0000 Retired UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has given the latest hint he will not be returning to the Octagon, by seemingly joking that he is ready to turn to football. “Preparing for my football debut,” the Russian posted on Instagram, with a video of him out on a run. “I’m a free agent and ready to accept offers.” Nurmagomedov retired with a 29-0 record after his win over Justin Gaethje last October, though several fighters have tried to coax him into a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119137/ufcs-khabib-nurmagomedov-ready-accept-offers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119137/ufcs-khabib-nurmagomedov-ready-accept-offers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:32:31 +0000 Dana White seems to have lost all hope of convincing Khabib Nurmagomedov to return to the Octagon one more time. The UFC president revealed he had spoken to the retired lightweight champ after Sunday’s UFC 257 main event, where Dustin Poirier (27-6, one no contest) shocked the MMA world with a second-round TKO of Conor McGregor (22-5) on Fight Island. “I did talk to Khabib, and he said to me, ‘Dana, be honest with yourself, I’m so many levels above these guys, I beat these guys’,” White said at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119051/ufc-257-dana-white-says-khabib-comeback?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119051/ufc-257-dana-white-says-khabib-comeback?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 16:54:48 +0000 A rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov may look further away than ever after the dramatic events of UFC 257, but Conor McGregor is still trying to goad his great rival into a return. The retired UFC lightweight champ mocked McGregor after his shock second-round TKO defeat by Dustin Poirier on Sunday. “This is what happened, when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality,” Nurmagomedov (29-0) tweeted. When the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119048/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-blasts-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119048/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-blasts-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 15:26:26 +0000 After Sunday’s seismic main event denouement on Fight Island, one thing is clear – if Conor McGregor still thinks he’s able to swan off and box Manny Pacquiao, and then waltz back into the UFC to win the lightweight title again, then he’s clearly had one too many Proper Twelves. With 2:32 gone in round two in Abu Dhabi, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier sealed a stunning stoppage win to hand former featherweight and lightweight champ McGregor his first TKO loss, and shock the watching MMA world. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119046/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-must-forget-manny?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119046/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-must-forget-manny?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:41:33 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov was quick to stick the boot in to Conor McGregor after the Irishman’s shock TKO at the hands of Dustin Poirier. Former two-weight champ McGregor was a heavy favourite with Las Vegas bookies by was dropped by “The Diamond” (27-6, one no contest) and finished at 2:32 of the second round on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. McGregor (22-5) said he will “take my licks” after the disappointment, in a gracious Octagon interview, but his former rival wasn’t ready to forget their bad... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119013/ufc-257-khabib-mocks-conor-mcgregor-sparring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119013/ufc-257-khabib-mocks-conor-mcgregor-sparring?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 06:50:28 +0000 There weren’t many who saw this coming, not least Conor McGregor. But Dustin Poirier wasn’t surprised at all as he battered McGregor low with calf kicks and then high to the head with his fists to take a stunning second-round TKO win over the Irishman in the UFC 257 main event in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. “I’m happy but I’m not surprised. I put in the work,” the 32-year-old American said in the cage afterwards. “First off I want to say Conor took this result professionally. We’re 1-1 and maybe we’re... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119011/ufc-257-dustin-poirier-tkos-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119011/ufc-257-dustin-poirier-tkos-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 06:13:31 +0000 There won’t be a lot of people cageside on Sunday for UFC 257 because of social distancing and virus restrictions. But when Conor “The Notorious” McGregor takes on Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier for the second time, there will be one person everyone will be watching. By all accounts, rumours and water-cooler talk, Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) is still in Abu Dhabi and will watch the card at the Etihad Arena on the UFC’s Fight Island, where “The Eagle” met with UFC president Dana White last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118659/ufc-257-mma-world-will-watch-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118659/ufc-257-mma-world-will-watch-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Jan 2021 05:57:05 +0000 After putting on a clinic against Calvin Kattar in the UFC Fight Island 7 main event on Sunday, Max Holloway floated the idea of getting the golden ticket to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov. “Khabib wanted somebody to impress him,” the former featherweight champ said, following a unanimous decision that saw 10-8 rounds galore and even one 50-42 scorecard on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. A fight between the two fell out in April 2018 but UFC president Dana White is not intending to match them up again, if... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118065/ufc-dana-white-says-georges-st-pierre-never?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118065/ufc-dana-white-says-georges-st-pierre-never?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jan 2021 06:47:24 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov’s big decision during Sunday’s UFC Fight Island 7 main card may have been a little underwhelming, revealing he will consider fighting again if Dustin Poirier or Conor McGregor impress him next weekend. But former featherweight champ Max Holloway (22-6) threw down the gauntlet to the seemingly-retired lightweight champ, noting they have unfinished business of their own after he dismantled Calvin Kattar (22-5) in a main event masterclass. Two judges had it 50-43 for Holloway,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118055/ufc-max-holloway-calls-out-khabib-throws?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118055/ufc-max-holloway-calls-out-khabib-throws?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jan 2021 01:41:02 +0000 Georges St-Pierre offered a number of clarifications on what is an ongoing saga concerning a potential legacy bout between himself and Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov. Speaking on Sportsnet’s Tim & Sid Show, St-Pierre said two years ago that Nurmagomedov and himself were trying to work out a fight, but he said the UFC was not interested in it at the time. “I’ve never been offered [that fight].” said the 39-year-old St-Pierre. “We tried to make the fight happen, and it fell. The UFC said they had a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117866/ufc-georges-st-pierre-says-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117866/ufc-georges-st-pierre-says-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jan 2021 06:00:13 +0000 UFC president Dana White says he is going to press retired star Khabib Nurmagomedov “as hard as I can for one more” fight in the Octagon. White has not spoken to the 32-year-old former lightweight champion (29-0) since he announced his emotional retirement after dominating Justin Gaethje via second-round submission at UFC 254 in October. The pair are scheduled for a sit-down on Fight Island some time this month. “I’m obviously meeting with him because I believe that he should fight again. I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117223/ufc-dana-white-will-push-retired-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117223/ufc-dana-white-will-push-retired-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Jan 2021 13:00:09 +0000 One of the most difficult things for any athlete comes not during the games they play, or sports they pursue, but in accepting when it is finally time to call it quits. There may be no better noble warrior the UFC has ever seen than Georges St-Pierre. The 39-year-old was at one time the most dominant force in mixed martial arts, and one of the greatest to step inside the Octagon. Since 2018, there has been chatter, rumours and blog posts about St-Pierre coming out of retirement again for one... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116391/ufc-georges-st-pierre-needs-pass-again-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116391/ufc-georges-st-pierre-needs-pass-again-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Jan 2021 01:00:18 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov would definitely come out of retirement to fight Georges St-Pierre, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz – but not for a rematch with Conor McGregor. UFC lightweight champ Nurmagomedov (29-0) has not been officially stripped of his belt, and still remains top of the promotion’s pound-for-pound rankings. The 32-year-old Dagestan native shocked the MMA world by announcing he was hanging up his gloves after defending his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Fight Island... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116177/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-would-un-retire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116177/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-would-un-retire?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jan 2021 04:44:48 +0000 Former UFC double champ Daniel Cormier has backed his American Kickboxing Academy teammate Islam Makhachev to inject himself into the lightweight title picture. UFC president Dana White will attempt to convince Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) to perform a U-turn on his shock retirement when they meet next month. But the 31-year-old from Dagestan told Russian media this week he saw three fighters who were likely to win his vacant belt – Conor McGregor (22-4), Dustin Poirier (26-6), and Makhachev... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115989/ufc-daniel-cormier-backs-islam-makhachev?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115989/ufc-daniel-cormier-backs-islam-makhachev?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:13:32 +0000 There is plenty of talk that Khabib Nurmagomedov could produce a stunning U-turn on his retirement and agree to fight in the UFC again, as the lightweight champ gets set for crunch talks with Dana White next month. Daniel Cormier is just happy to support his friend and American Kickboxing Academy teammate in whatever decision he makes. Nurmagomedov (29-0) shocked the world of MMA when he announced in the Octagon he was hanging up his gloves after his masterful second-round submission win over... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115901/ufc-daniel-cormier-would-love-khabib-comeback?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115901/ufc-daniel-cormier-would-love-khabib-comeback?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Dec 2020 15:19:45 +0000 John Kavanagh is clearly in the camp of those who think Conor McGregor’s UFC 257 main event against Dustin Poirier should be for the lightweight title. Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) has not officially vacated his 155-pound belt, despite announcing his retirement in the Octagon after submitting Justin Gaethje (22-3) in the second round of the UFC 254 main event on Fight Island. UFC president Dana White is hoping to convince the Dagestan native to come back and fulfil his late father Abdulmanap... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115666/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedovs-manager-hits-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115666/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedovs-manager-hits-back?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Dec 2020 06:52:41 +0000 Khabib Nurmagmedov got his wish last week. The lightweight champ leapfrogged Jon Jones and can now be found at the top of the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. You can call it sentimental if you like. You could also call it absolutely warranted. The man he replaced seems to disagree – former UFC light heavyweight champ Jones (26-1, one no contest) reacted to the news by tweeting, “This is number one b*******.” But what happened at UFC 254 on October 25 in Abu Dhabi will go down as one of the most... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108248/sorry-jon-jones-khabib-deserves-ufc-pound?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3108248/sorry-jon-jones-khabib-deserves-ufc-pound?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:00:06 +0000 UFC president Dana White has revealed he is in talks with Khabib Nurmagomedov and believes the lightweight champ could perform a stunning U-turn on his shock retirement. “The Eagle” (29-0) of Dagestan announced in the Octagon last weekend at UFC 254 that his second-round submission win over former interim champ Justin Gaethje would be his final fight. “I want to say it was my last fight, and no way I’m gonna come here without my father,” said the 32-year-old. His father and coach Abdulmanap died... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107751/ufc-dana-white-talks-khabib-over-shock?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107751/ufc-dana-white-talks-khabib-over-shock?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Oct 2020 05:39:57 +0000 Jon Jones has hit out at the UFC after being toppled from the summit of its pound-for-pound rankings by Khabib Nurmagomedov. The UFC lightweight champ (29-0) announced his shock retirement after beating former interim champ Justin Gaethje (22-3) by second-round triangle choke in Saturday’s UFC 254 main event on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov asked “only one thing” of the UFC – to be placed No 1 in the pound-for-pound top 15 on Tuesday, and the promotion’s ranking judges duly obliged, to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107382/ufc-jon-jones-reacts-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107382/ufc-jon-jones-reacts-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Oct 2020 06:02:55 +0000 Georges St-Pierre said he would have liked to face Khabib Nurmagomedov “as a competitor” but is very happy for the freshly retired fighter after his “masterful” performance at UFC 254. Former lightweight champion Khabib (29-0) successfully defended his title against interim champion Justin Gaethje (22-3) in a second-round submission on Fight Island on Sunday – a display that fellow “GOAT” (greatest of all time) contender St-Pierre (26-2) considers the best he has ever seen. “It was a masterful... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107012/ufc-254-georges-st-pierre-laments-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3107012/ufc-254-georges-st-pierre-laments-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:00:07 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov needed just six-and-a-half minutes of Saturday’s night’s five-round UFC 254 main event to put Justin Gaethje away with a triangle choke. But “The Highlight” (22-3) feels that doesn’t tell whole story of the fight. “It sucks. I’m hurt, I’m emotional, but ultimately it’s the name of the game,” 31-year-old American Gaethje told ESPN on the post-event broadcast. “I had him in trouble. I wasn’t very many kicks away from him not being able to walk. “He’s gonna be limping for at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106996/ufc-254-justin-gaethje-insists-he-had-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106996/ufc-254-justin-gaethje-insists-he-had-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Oct 2020 05:55:08 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov asked “only one thing” of the UFC after announcing his shock retirement, demanding the No 1 spot in the UFC’s updated pound-for-pound rankings next week. And it seemed at first that Jon Jones (26-1, one no contest) was willing to figuratively step aside at the top – for now. “Until I take that [heavyweight] crown, I grant you the spot,” the former light heavyweight king tweeted. “Enjoy Champ.” The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov (29-0) submitted Justin Gaethje (22-3) to wrap up his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106983/ufc-254-jon-jones-grants-khabib-pound-pound?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106983/ufc-254-jon-jones-grants-khabib-pound-pound?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Oct 2020 02:42:57 +0000 The tributes to retiring UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov came flooding in after his masterful second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje – including from heated rival Conor McGregor. Nurmagomedov (29-0) made a shock announcement in the Octagon after Saturday night’s victory on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi that he was walking away from MMA. “I want to say it was my last fight, and no way I’m gonna come here without my father,” said the 32-year-old. His father and coach... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106979/ufc-254-conor-mcgregor-congratulates-retiring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106979/ufc-254-conor-mcgregor-congratulates-retiring?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Oct 2020 01:22:43 +0000 Former two-division champ Daniel Cormier said he is heartbroken after teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement at UFC 254 on Sunday. UFC lightweight champ Nurmagomedov (29-0) defended his title against Justin Gaethje on Fight Island with a second-round triangle choke, before dropping his gloves to the canvas. “I want to say it was my last fight, and no way I’m gonna come here without my father,” said the 32-year-old. His father and coach Abdulmanap died aged 57 in July because of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106978/ufc-254-daniel-cormier-insists-khabibs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106978/ufc-254-daniel-cormier-insists-khabibs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Oct 2020 00:02:34 +0000 UFC president Dana White revealed that newly retired lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov had broken his foot before his title defence against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Sunday. The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov (29-0), of Dagestan, still beat Gaethje (22-3) via second-round triangle choke on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, in what he revealed would be his final professional fight. At the post-event press conference, White added the fight “smelt like an upset” having analysed the Russian’s mannerisms... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106976/ufc-254-dana-white-reveals-khabib-fought?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106976/ufc-254-dana-white-reveals-khabib-fought?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Oct 2020 23:25:56 +0000 First Khabib Nurmagomedov completely owned the UFC Octagon once again. Then he walked away from it for good. The 32-year-old “Eagle” (29-0) choked out Justin Gaethje (22-3) in the second round of an utterly dominant display on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, to confirm himself as the undisputed lightweight champ in Saturday night’s UFC 254 main event. He broke down in tears for minutes with his American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez and the rest of his team. The emotion of what he had been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106972/ufc-254-khabib-nurmagomedov-retires-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106972/ufc-254-khabib-nurmagomedov-retires-after?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Oct 2020 22:19:46 +0000 MMA nutritionist Mike Dolce has claimed there was something “very disturbing” about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s controversial UFC 254 weigh-in on Friday in Abu Dhabi. The UFC lightweight champ (28-0) officially made the 155-pound weight for Saturday night’s Fight Island main event against Justin Gaethje (22-2). But he looked hugely relieved standing on the scale, where he was completely naked and had to be covered by a towel held up by two officials. But fans on social media pointed out the official... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106930/ufc-254-khabib-weigh-very-disturbing-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106930/ufc-254-khabib-weigh-very-disturbing-official?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Oct 2020 08:25:21 +0000 Former UFC lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez has warned Khabib Nurmagomedov must be “ready mentally” to deal with Justin Gaethje’s “unique” pressure. “The Eagle” (28-0) of Dagestan puts his 155-pound belt on the line against 31-year-old American interim champ Gaethje (22-2) in Saturday night’s UFC 254 main event showdown on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. Alvarez (29-6), now fighting in Asian organisation ONE Championship, handed Gaethje his first career loss with a KO in the third round of a violent... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106922/ufc-254-eddie-alvarez-warns-khabib-must-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106922/ufc-254-eddie-alvarez-warns-khabib-must-be?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Oct 2020 06:04:47 +0000 There is an air of invincibility about Khabib Nurmagomedov. It has been hard-earned through years of grinding, honed in the harsh mountains of Dagestan under the watchful eye of his late father and coach, Abdulmanap, who died in July from complications related to contracting the coronavirus. The UFC lightweight champ overwhelms, smashes and smothers; every fighter who has tried has been unable to keep up with his relentless pressure. But these skills will be put to the test at UFC 254 against a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106916/ufc-254-khabib-can-set-himself-shot-goat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106916/ufc-254-khabib-can-set-himself-shot-goat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Oct 2020 05:00:51 +0000 The reigning and undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to fight American mixed martial artist Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi this weekend. The event, taking place on Saturday afternoon local time (2am Sunday morning in Hong Kong), offers the Russian fighter the potential to clock a 30-0 winning streak. What’s more, for the first time in his career, Nurmagomedov will be fighting without his long-time confidante, father and trainer Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov by his... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3106571/ufc-254-khabib-nurmagomedov-gets-ready-fight-justin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3106571/ufc-254-khabib-nurmagomedov-gets-ready-fight-justin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Oct 2020 02:46:48 +0000 There are inevitabilities in sport, much like life. LeBron James leading the Los Angeles Lakers over the Miami Heat to capture the franchise’s 17th title felt like one. Rafael Nadal winning his 13th French Open, even over Novak Djokovic, did too. Which brings us to the UFC world, where next weekend as well, reigning undefeated Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) defending his lightweight championship over Justin Gaethje (22-2) feels like an inevitability. Or does it? The sporting world in 2020... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105829/ufc-254-justin-gaethje-beating-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105829/ufc-254-justin-gaethje-beating-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Oct 2020 01:00:19 +0000 It was already looking pretty unlikely that Khabib Nurmagomedov would agree to coach rival teams with Conor McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter, but he has now made his position crystal clear. The 32-year-old UFC lightweight champ’s (28-0) manager Ali Abdelaziz revealed last month in an interview with TMZ Sports that his client had been offered a deal to star alongside “The Notorious” (22-4) on the rebooted reality television show later this year. The season would have culminated in a rematch... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105498/ufc-khabib-wont-do-ultimate-fighter-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105498/ufc-khabib-wont-do-ultimate-fighter-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Oct 2020 08:56:58 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov is not closing the door on attempting to make a match-up with Tony Ferguson for a sixth time. But the UFC lightweight champ thinks “El Cucuy” is “finished”. With both men riding 12-fight win streaks in the UFC, their highly-anticipated bout fell apart on a fifth occasion in April after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, with the 32-year-old Russian “Eagle” (30-0) stranded in his native Dagestan. Ferguson (26-4) pushed ahead and agreed to fight Justin Gaethje (22-2) for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105426/ufc-khabib-says-stupid-tony-ferguson-finished?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105426/ufc-khabib-says-stupid-tony-ferguson-finished?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Oct 2020 03:31:06 +0000