M. Chandler (center) analyzes the fight between K. Nurmagomedov and J. Gaethje. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Although the UFC 253 takes place this Saturday (26), on Fight Island, in Abu Dhabi, the eyes of fans and the press begin to turn to the UFC 254. The fight for the lightweight belt (70,3kg) between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Justin gaethje is so big that it forced the organization to take Michael chandler of Bellator to become the immediate reserve for the fight.
Speaking to American ESPN, the newly hired man analyzed the big clash between the linear and interim champions and, as much as he believes that Gaethje could be a threat, he doesn't believe that Nurmagomedov will be defeated for the first time in his career.
“We have to take into consideration that Gaethje is a top division wrestler and we haven’t seen that in the octagon yet. He has fighting instinct, great athleticism and great hips. I think he's the biggest threat Khabib has faced so far. Even so, only a crazy person would bet against Khabib. You have to be crazy to bet that he isn't capable of taking down Gaethje and that Gaethje will be able to attack Khabib whenever he wants, like he did against Ferguson. The reason we like the fight Gaethje had against Ferguson is because this is a fixed target. He accepts the punches to return them later. Khabib is not like that,” said Chandler.
Still about the duel, Chandler believes that the champion puts so much pressure on his opponents that he will be able to prevent his opponent from using his low kicks, an important part of his game.
“Khabib will attack and we haven’t seen Gaethje back down much. I think low kicks and powerful punches won't be as effective. I can see the fight happening the way Khabib likes it. He must win, but in a less dominant way,” he concluded.
It is worth remembering that this will be the first fight of Khabib Nurmagomedov following the passing of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The UFC lightweight champion is undefeated, has 28 career victories and has already announced that he intends to retire after completing 30 fights.
In its turn, Justin gaethje He arrived at the UFC undefeated and, initially, had difficulty establishing himself. After losing two consecutive fights, expectations surrounding the athlete diminished, but he turned things around and currently has four consecutive victories, all of which were by knockout and achieved a performance bonus.
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