Khabib, Abdulmanap and Umar Nurmagomedov in training. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @umar_nurmagomedov
Witness of one of the biggest clashes in the world of MMA, Javier Mendez believes that the scenario can improve even further. Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, the coach revealed that the duel between Umar Nurmagomedov x Sean O'Malley can reach the same level or even surpass a meeting between former lightweight champion Conor McGregor.
“I think Umar and Sean can be as big as McGregor and Khabib, but the only thing is Sean O'Malley has more class than McGregor, he's not going to bring religion, country and family into the picture. I don't think Sean would go that low. I think he'll keep it between him and Umar and leave it at that. Let the fighters talk rubbish, but leave the family, leave the country, leave religion out”, declared Javier in an interview with Lord Ping.
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When analyzing Umar's moment, the AKA leader expressed his desire for O'Malley to keep the belt until the Russian has his opportunity for the title.
“(…) I’m looking forward to Umar facing Sean O’Malley in the future. But now we're recovered from the injury he operated on and I hope we have a fight next year and, after one or two wins, we'll go after whoever the champion is. I hope it's O'Malley because his torch is burning brightly and this is the first time we've had a bantamweight with that kind of pull. It would be the greatest gift Umar could have if Sean was still the champion,” he concluded.
Umar Nurmagomedov (dir.) defeated Raoni barcelos (left) in UFC Las Vegas 67. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Currently 11th in the bantamweight rankings (up to 61,2kg), Umar lost his chance to get closer to the belt after being forced to withdraw from a fight against Cory Sandhagen, fourth in the division. Undefeated, the athlete has four triumphs in the UFC and 16 in his career.
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