BRED WINNER
Nurmagomedov raised to be a champion in tough Russian region
L AS VEGAS — Conor McGregor was doing his best to get under the skin of Khabib Nurmagomedov. The stage at iconic Radio City Music Hall was serving as the backdrop to a MMA press conference for UFC 229 that had deteriorated quickly into gutter language. The iconic building that has hosted the legends of entertainment was now enduring McGregor, the bombastic Irishman, whose antics were bordering on cartoonish with F-bombs echoing off the walls. Nurmagomedov sat stoically at one end of the dais as McGregor was in full trash-talk mode, promoting his Proper 12 Irish Whiskey by taking a swig and then launching into a tirade in which he called Nurmagomedov every name in the book. He labeled him a “fool” and a “coward”…”a little rat”…”a little weasel.” And those are only the printable words. McGregor even questioned the character of members of Nurmagomedov’s family, specifically his father, a former member of the Soviet army.
McGregor (21-3) belittled Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten record, which is 26-0, good enough to capture the UFC lightweight championship that McGregor once held before his extended hiatus.
“He’s fought absolutely nobody,” McGregor said. “He’s in over his head and I’m going to pick him apart.”
Nurmagomedov offered an occasional retort, but never got as emotional as McGregor.
“Most important is sixth of October,” Nurmagomedov said. “He can talk whatever he wants and I know he will talk. But the sixth of October is what matter when they close the cage.”
The MMA world can’t wait. Nurmagomedov and McGregor meet in the main event of UFC 229 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in one of the most anticipated bouts in UFC history. McGregor, the former featherweight and lightweight champion, returns from a near two-year UFC absence that included his boxing endeavor against Floyd Mayweather.
While McGregor was off making $100 million for his first professional boxing match, Nurmagomedov became the UFC’s brightest active star, claiming the lightweight title by defeating Al Iaquinta by decision at UFC 223 at Barclays Center on April 18.
“I don’t fight for money. I fight for legacy,” Nurmagomedov said.
McGregor still believes he’s champ, having not lost the title in
the Octagon. There is a validation that needs to take place as the winner Saturday night must deal with Tony Ferguson, who deserves his shot at the lightweight crown. But first things first.
McGregor and Nurmagomedov, both 30, must settle their blood feud that went to a new level when McGregor attacked a bus in which Nurmagomedov was a passenger following a media event at Barclays Center.
“You’re a coward for staying on the bus,” said McGregor, who ultimately got a slap on the wrist from the authorities for hurling a dolly at the bus.
McGregor might have been able to rile some opponents, but he might as well be talking to a brick wall while trying to rattle Nurmagomedov. Being mentally and physically tough was part of his DNA long before he entered the Octagon.
Nurmagomedov is from the Republic of Dagestan in the mountainous North Caucasus region along the Caspian Sea. Having to endure a harsh and unforgiving climate, Dagestan people are known for their toughness and mental strength. Both are necessary for survival.
The threat of an oppressive Russian government and Islamic militants was constant. Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, wanted his son to learn how to protect himself in such a dangerous world. Khabib, a devout Muslim, began training in combat sambo, a judo-based fighting style, and also freestyle wrestling, something Dagestan people were known for.
It became his passion. The second of three children, including older brother Mogomed and younger sister Amina, Khabib gained notice at age 9 when he wrestled a bear cub for fun. In 2001, the family moved to Makhachkala, where he went on to become a two-time world champion in combat sambo and a skilled wrestler.
He made his MMA debut in September 2008 and initially fought strictly in Russia and the Ukraine. He was 16-0 when he signed with the UFC, making his debut for the company in January 2012.
Nurmagomedov quickly gained attention for his grappling ability. His takedowns were powerful and often spectacular, nullifying any defensive maneuvers his opponents tried to apply. Takedowns led to submissions. He won his debut against Kamal Shalorus with a rear naked choke, and no one has solved his puzzle yet.
In just his fourth fight in the UFC, Nurmagomedov set a UFC record for the number of takedowns executed in a single fight when he dropped Abel Trujillo 21 times in 27 attempts during their three-round fight in May 2013.
He thought his first chance at a title arrived when he signed to face Eddie Alvarez for the UFC lightweight title at UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. But UFC president Dana White gave the title shot to McGregor, who went on to become the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold titles in two divisions.
While McGregor was inactive awaiting the birth of his first child, Nurmagomedov was supposed to meet Ferguson in the main event of UFC 209 for the interim title. But he was pulled from the card after being taken to Sunrise Hospital two days prior to the fight because of weight-cutting issues. He was declared medically ineligible to fight.
Ferguson went on to claim the interim title, but lost it when he tore his fibular collateral ligament and pulled out of a fourth scheduled bout with Nurmagomedov. Ferguson wound up being replaced by Iaquinta, who was no match for Nurmagomedov, now the champion.
“I am the Floyd Mayweather of MMA,” Nurmagomedov said perhaps rushing things a bit.
McGregor signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC even after making nearly $100 million fighting Mayweather. As far as he’s concerned, he’s still the champ. Nurmagomedov needs the validation. And Ferguson isn’t happy about any of it.
“They took my belt,” Ferguson said. “I didn’t lose my belt. They took it from me.”
McGregor feels the same way. They’ll have to get it from Nurmagomedov first.