K. Nurmagomedov's coach believes that C. McGregor is still the biggest threat to the Russian. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcbrasil
The final chapter between the duel between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Conor McGregor doesn't seem to have happened yet. In a recent interview with the website 'Sportsdaily', Javier Mendez, one of the trainers of the current lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), revealed which fighters in the category could threaten his student's reign, and placed the Irishman in first place . Khabib became world champion in the division by defeating Conor at UFC 229, in October last year.
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“Talking about four potential rivals for Khabib, I can give my assessment from least to most dangerous.” Max Holloway (Featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg.) is the easiest for Khabib. Max has good boxing, but he doesn't have the strength for the lightweight division," said Javier. "Next on the list is Dustin poirier. He has resistance and versatility. Tony Ferguson It's my second choice. His elbows are very dangerous”, commented the coach.
Finally, to the surprise of many, Mendez cited Nurmagomedov's great rival as the main threat to the belt.
“Finally, the number one competitor, for me, is still Conor. Your boxing is special, this is your chance”, he concluded.
McGregor's situation in the division, however, is quite complicated. After being dethroned by the Russian, the Irishman ended up in the middle of the road and without a great opponent who could put on an interesting duel both tactically and financially for the star.
Nate diaz, his former opponent, has a confirmed clash against Anthony Pettis for August, at UFC 241. Tony Ferguson e Donald Cerrone, respectively second and fourth in the lightweight category ranking. Khabib and Dustin poirier will face each other for the unification of the belt, probably in September, in UFC 242.
The path for Conor, then, could be to wait for the outcome of one of these fights or accept a smaller fight to remain active within the organization.
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