Khabib Nurmagomedov – Page 13 – Syndication Server

UFC Fight Night 202 results: Islam Makhachev picks up quick TKO finish of Bobby Green

Islam Makhachev inches closer toward a lightweight title shot after Saturday’s dominant win over Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night 202.

[autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] continues to make a strong case for a shot at the UFC lightweight title with a quick and dominant finish.

In Saturday’s main event of UFC Fight Night 202, he faced an eager [autotag]Bobby Green[/autotag] (29-13-1 MMA, 10-8-1 UFC) on short notice at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. With former UFC champ [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] in his corner, Makhachev (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) took care of business impressively in hopes to earn his chance to claim gold.

The two fighters sized each other up early in the first round as the magnitude of the moment was palpable. Green displayed his usual comfort in the face of danger with hands at his side, while Makhachev stayed tight, waiting for the right moment to bring the fight to the canvas. That moment came just two minutes into the first round.

Once getting Green on his back, Makhachev smothered green with top pressure as he transitioned to full mount, looking for submissions before switching to crushing ground and pound strikes. Green could do nothing but cover up until the referee saw enough and stopped the fight.

10. In. A. Row 😤

[ @MakhachevMMA | #UFCVegas49 ] pic.twitter.com/l6hlEkKTuL

— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2022

With the win, Makhachev stretches his hot win streak into double digits with 10 straight after his loss at UFC 192 in 2015. After a three-win calendar year in 2021 knocking off Drew Dober, Thiago Moises, and Dan Hooker, the Dagestani has his eyes set on earning a shot at the lightweight title.

Nothing but respect between martial artists 🤝 #UFCVegas49 pic.twitter.com/o0DQtKXrTq

— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2022

For Green, stepping up on short notice in the first main event of his UFC career to face one of the best in the division, unfortunately, did not work out in his favor. His win streak is halted at two, as he entered Saturday’s fight with consecutive wins over Al Iaquinta and Nasrat Haqparast.

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 202 results include:

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Khabib Nurmagomedov laughs off Jake Paul’s challenge: In MMA, I’ll win in ‘like couple of minutes’

Khabib Nurmagomedov has no intentions of competing again, but he couldn’t help but scoff at Jake Paul’s challenge.

[autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] has no intentions of competing again, but he couldn’t help but scoff at [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag]’s challenge.

When Nurmagomedov offered YouTube sensation-turned pro boxer Paul a contract to sign with his MMA promotion, Eagle FC, Paul said he’d consider it if he got paid and he could fight Nurmagomedov, himself.

Paul told MMA Fighting that he could outstrike the former undefeated UFC lightweight champion and that all he’d have to do is work on his wrestling. But Nurmagomedov doubts Paul would even last a round if they ever fought.

“Come on, Jake Paul. I don’t think so,” Nurmagomedov said on the “FULL SEND PODCAST.” In MMA, (I’ll win in) like couple of minutes.”

He continued, “He’s late a little bit because I’m finished. Of course we can think about this. I watched – it was sparring, or I watched some video where he’s doing, like, MMA with someone. He has to learn a lot.”

Paul’s transition to boxing has been a successful one so far. In five professional fights, Paul has been able to add notable names to his resume, knocking out former MMA champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.

Nurmagomedov respects Paul’s boxing skills but says grappling is a whole other ball game.

“In boxing, he knows how to punch,” Nurmagomedov said. “He’s not bad in the boxing game. Anybody can box. You can box, too, but you never can wrestle. This is completely different. If he wants, we can give him a chance. We can sign him, and we can pay him, and we’ll see.”

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Khabib Nurmagomedov says he offered Jake Paul an Eagle FC contract: ‘We’re waiting on his answer’

Khabib Nurmagomedov is interested in bringing Jake Paul to Eagle FC.

MIAMI – It appears [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] has taken [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag]’s MMA tease seriously.

The former UFC lightweight champion and co-owner of MMA promotion Eagle FC says he’s sent out a contract to the YouTuber-turned-boxer. This comes after Paul recently said he’s be interested in pivoting from boxing to MMA.

“We offered him, we offered him (a contract),” Nurmagomedov told reporters, including MMA Junkie following Friday’s Eagle FC 44 event. “Now we’re waiting on his answer. If he wants, we’re here.”

Paul has only competed in boxing, but has been heavily linked to MMA. He’s knocked out former UFC champion Tyron Woodley and former Bellator titleholder Ben Askren during part of his 5-0 run in the ring.

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“The Problem Child” has also been locked in a feud with UFC president Dana White over the past few years, but it’s intensified as of late with Paul being a vocal critic of UFC fighter pay.

Eagle FC joins other major MMA promotions that have shown interest in signing Paul. Bellator and PFL recently said they’d do business with Paul if the opportunity came.

Paul is coming off a successful 2021 inside the ring where he went 3-0 at the expense of past MMA greats. Last April, he knocked out Askren under the Triller Fight Club banner. The 25-year-old followed that up with an August split decision win over Woodley before viciously knocking out the longtime UFC welterweight titleholder in a rematch in December.

Both of those PPV headliners aired on Showtime, but Paul is currently a free agent as he decides his next career move.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov hopes to learn from Dana White after Eagle FC’s U.S. debut, reveals meeting

Khabib Nurmagomedov learned that fight promotion isn’t so easy on Friday when he brought Eagle FC to U.S. soil for the first time.

MIAMI – [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] learned that fight promotion isn’t so easy on Friday when he brought Eagle FC to U.S. soil for the first time.

Nurmagomedov, a former UFC lightweight champion, has transitioned into a different side of the fight game since his retirement from competition in late 2020. He’s a co-owner in the Russian-based organization, which is now trying to expand into different regions.

Eagle FC 44, which saw notables Sergei Kharitonov, Rashad Evans and Ray Borg pick up notable wins atop the card, which took place at FLXcast Arena. The event largely went off without a hitch, but before it happen Nurmagomedov felt the magnitude of the moment.

“Today when I wake up I was nervous like I’m going to fight tonight,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at Eagle FC 44. “I have same feeling today when I wake up. I realized I’m not going to fight, I have a fighting show. It was a very nervous day, but right now I’m happy.”

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In December, UFC president Dana White was asked about Nurmagomedov’s decision to dip his toe into fight promotion. White said he would “learn the hard way” that it’s much more difficult than it looks.

Nurmagomedov made some bold statements prior to Eagle FC 44 about how the organization is looking to make a footprint in the MMA sphere and treat athletes as best as possible. That remains the goal, but Nurmagomedov admits it’s easier said than done.

Ultimately, Nurmagomedov doesn’t seem intent on making an enemy of White, but rather an ally. In fact, Nurmagomedov said he intends to meet with the UFC boss in the coming weeks for advice on how Eagle FC can become better.

“Nothing (about promoting is) easy, honestly,” Nurmagomedov said. “He’s right, Dana White. I’m going to have meeting next month in Vegas with him. I’m going to talk with him a lot about all this kind of stuff. I’m just beginning. How many years he have experience? He’s the best in the game and it’s a big honor for me to learn from him.”

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Khabib Nurmagomedov warns UFC, Bellator to ‘be careful’ with disgruntled fighters: ‘Eagle FC is here’

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is hunting for top free agents to join his promotion.

MIAMI – Mixed martial artists entering free agency now have another promoter to welcome them with open arms.

Former UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] who has turned MMA promoter is on the hunt for top free agents and wants the top organizations around to know he means business.

Eagle FC 44 is set to take place on Friday at the FLXcast Arena in Miami for its first show in America and the promotion has already stacked up a number of familiar names who have competed under the UFC and Bellator banners.

With fighters such as Tyrone Spong, Sergei Kharitonov, Rashad Evans, Kevin Lee, Diego Sanchez, and Ray Borg, the promotion has already proven they have an attractive platform for fighters who have spent time under the biggest banners in the sport.

Nurmagomedov and his team at Eagle FC are hoping to provide a solid alternative to the promotions that have been around for years and will be looking to add fighters who feel they have not been treated well by those promotions.

“Big organizations like UFC, Bellator, they have to be careful with their fighters because Eagle FC is here,” Nurmagomedov said at Thursday’s Eagle FC 46 press conference. “Of course, we’re trying to sign good athletes, great athletes with good names. At the same time, we’re working with the young generation too. We have two goals. I just want to say be careful. If they don’t treat good fighters, Eagle FC is here.”

One area that seems to have made an impact is the addition of the “super lightweight” 165-pound division, which provides the middle ground between lightweight and welterweight fighters. In addition, Eagle FC’s welterweight division shifts up five pounds, creating 10-pound increments between weight classes.

“I understand this game (from the) inside,” Nurmagomedov said. “I was a professional fighter last twelve years. I hear from a lot of fighters that they really want weight classes at 155, 65, 75, and 85. When I opened this Eagle FC, like, why can’t I do this? Let’s build some new history.”

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From Jon Jones to Jake Paul, Dana White answers who could fight in UFC this year

UFC president Dana White has weighed in on the possibility of various fighters competing inside the octagon in 2022.

UFC president Dana White has weighed in on the possibility of various fighters competing inside the octagon this year.

Speaking to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, White partook in their annual odds show in which he answered yes or no on the chances of seeing the likes of [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag], [autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag], [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag], and even Hasbulla fighting in the UFC in 2022.

Check out the full list of fighters White was asked about below:

Dana White warns fellow promoter Khabib Nurmagomedov: ‘It’s not as fun as it seems’

Fight promoting isn’t easy, UFC president Dana White cautions his former lightweight champion.

LAS VEGAS – Former UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] has reincarnated himself in the fight game as promoter.

In 2022, Nurmagomedov will bring his Eagle FC promotion to the United States for the first time. Set for Jan. 28 in Miami, Eagle FC 44 features MMA notables like Tyrone Spong, Sergei Kharitonov and Rashad Evans.

The lineup is still being figured out, as are the logistics of running the Russian promotion’s North American debut. The business challenges are obstacles UFC president Dana White is as familiar with as anyone.

At a UFC Fight Night 199 post-fight news conference, White told reporters, including MMA Junkie, he hasn’t spoken to former champion Nurmagomedov about the promotion side of the fight game, but warned it’s not as easy as it seems.

“I haven’t talked to Khabib about his promotion at all,” White said. “He’s going to find out what it’s like to be on the other side. It’s not as fun as it seems. He’s going to learn. If he doesn’t know, he’s going to know.”

If Nurmagomedov gets hung up on anything, the UFC boss said he’d be willing to give his two cents in an effort to assist. However, White added he thinks the most valuable guidance comes from experience.

“If he calls me and wants advice, I would absolutely give him advice,” White said. “But I think he’s going to learn the hard way.”

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Khabib Nurmagomedov impressed by Charles Oliveira, hopes Islam Makhachev fights him for title

“I really want they both win and they fight end of the next year.”

[autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] wants to see a title fight between [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] and [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag] materialize by the end of 2022.

Oliveira (32-8 MMA, 20-8 UFC) retained his lightweight title this past Saturday when he submitted Dustin Poirier in the UFC 269 headliner and is projected to face Justin Gaethje next.

Makhachev (21-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) is booked to face Beneil Dariush in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Feb. 26, and Nurmagomedov is hoping the stars align and both Oliveira and Makhachev emerge victorious in their respective bouts.

“Right now is Charles Oliveira time,” Nurmagomedov told ESPN. “He impressed me, and I really believe he is one of the best fighters in the world right now and best lightweight in the world. It’s going to be very interesting fight if next fight Islam wins and Charles wins, and they’re going to fight end of the next year. It’s going to be a great fight.

“It’s going to be a little bit like Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib, you know – Islam vs. Charles Oliveira. They both win. Right now, (Oliveira) has (a) 10-(fight) win streak. If Islam wins next fight, Islam is going to have 10-win streak. And 11-win streak, Charles Oliveira – it’s going to be great, great fight for both of them and for UFC for sure. I really (hope) they both win and they fight end of the next year.”

Nurmagomedov had picked Poirier to beat Oliveira, but after “The Diamond” failed for a second time in his bid for undisputed gold, Nurmagomedov put his promoter hat on when discussing his future.

“Just call me. I’m going to sign Dustin Poirier to Eagle FC 165 (division),” Nurmagomedov said. “Dustin can fight in 170 – it’s a little bit hard to make 155. Of course he always made it, but it’s going to be good for him, 165. If UFC release him, Khabib (is) here always with Eagle FC. We’re going to sign him. We can make some charity stuff together. Let’s go, Dustin.”

Nurmagomedov recently signed former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee to Eagle FC and has added new 165-pound and 175-pound weight divisions to his promotion.

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Kevin Lee signs multifight deal with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC promotion

Kevin Lee used to talk about wanting to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov and will now work for him.

[autotag]Kevin Lee[/autotag] used to talk about wanting to fight [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag]. Now he’s working for him.

Just one month after getting released by the UFC, Lee (18-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) has signed a multi-fight deal with Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to MMA Junkie. Ariel Helwani was first to report the news.

Promotion officials are expected to announce the signing Wednesday at a news conference in Miami. Lee’s debut is set for March 11 against an opponent to be determined, and it will take place at 165 pounds.

Lee, 29, was let go by the UFC after losing four of his past five fights. His lone win in that stretch was a highlight-reel knockout of formerly unbeaten Gregor Gillespie in November 2019.

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Lee, a former UFC interim lightweight title challenger, holds notable wins over Gillespie, Michael Chiesa and Edson Barboza, but he struggled in the octagon after losing to Tony Ferguson for the interim belt in October 2017. Lee’s final two UFC setbacks came to current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and most recently rising contender Daniel Rodriguez in August.

Miami will play host to Eagle FC 44 on Jan. 28, which is headlined by a heavyweight bout between Tyrone Spong and Sergei Kharitonov. UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans will come out of retirement to return to fighting. Former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao also will make his return on that card when he takes on fellow UFC alum Horacio Gutierrez.

Eagle FC plans on holding as many as 10 events in the U.S. in 2022.

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