Nurmagomedov (right) already faced Dos Anjos (left) in 2014. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
In the opinion of many, the Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov He is number one in the lightweight category and would be in a position to fight for the belt against the champion Anthony Pettis. However, without ideal physical conditions, “The Eagle”, as he is known, is out of action and gave up his position to Rafael dos Anjos. But that doesn't mean he doesn't give credit to the Brazilian. Quite the opposite. In Nurmagomedov's opinion, Rafael is a legitimate challenger and is fully capable of “crush” Pettis at UFC 185.
“That's my opinion, I don't know why, but I think he (Rafael dos Anjos) will crush him”, said the Russian, analyzing next weekend’s fight in Dallas (USA), in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”. “I think Rafael crushes him in his striking and I think he also crushes him in the ground game”, he added.
Khabib knows Rafael well. The Russian beat the Brazilian in his last fight before the series of injuries that kept him away from the Octagon in April last year. Despite the triumph, Nurmagomedov praised the Brazilian and was emphatic in saying that it was not an easy task to defeat him. “Dos Anjos is not easy, man. A lot of people watch it and think that beating him is easy, but it's not. It wasn't an easy fight. I beat him, but no one beats him like I did,” he said.
While Rafael dos Anjos challenges Anthony Pettis for the lightweight belt next Saturday (14), in the main fight of UFC 185, Khabib Nurmagomedov will face the North American Donald Cerrone on May 23, at UFC 187. Although there is no confirmation from the Ultimate organization, it is very likely that the winners of these two duels will fight for the title in the 70,3 kg category shortly afterwards.
