Nurmagomedov celebrates Fedor's return, but warns: 'MMA has changed'

Khabib (photo) is undefeated in his career and is one of the biggest names in Russian MMA today. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Last week, the world of MMA was abuzz with the news that the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, considered the greatest heavyweight in history, is preparing his return to the ring. Several athletes publicly expressed their joy with the news. One of them was also Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov. The lightweight said he dreams of seeing his idol fight in the UFC, and not in other organizations, but he made a point of leaving a warning for his idol that the sport is no longer like it used to be.

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“I hope Fedor understands that MMA has changed a lot in recent years. But, in any case, I wish him good health and good luck,” he said, through a post on his official page on the “VK” social network. “I grew up watching Fedor's fights and no one wants him to come back more than I do. However, I wouldn’t like to see him in Bellator, as everyone knows he deserves to fight in the UFC,” he added.

One of the favorites for the next lightweight title fights, Khabib even projected Fedor's eventual path, from his hypothetical debut in the Octagon to an eventual fight for the title. “For starters, he could have a rematch against Pezão, it would be a good fight for his comeback. Then they could put him against the Dan Henderson in the main event of the UFC's first trip to Russia. After that, he could fight for the title against Werdum, if the Brazilian is still the champion,” he said.

At 26, Khabib Nurmagomedov has a record of 22 wins and no losses. The Russian is currently third in the UFC lightweight rankings. Already Fedor Emelianenko, 38 years old, has a professional record of 34 wins, four losses and one fight without result. PRIDE heavyweight champion from 2003 until the end of the event in 2007, Fedor maintained one of the longest undefeated streaks in history, after going without being defeated between 2000 and 2010. The “Last Emperor”, as he is known, does not fight since 2012, when he defeated Brazilian Pedro Rizzo in the M-1 Global event.

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