- Khabib Nurmagomedov declared Usman as the next best lightweight after Islam Makhachev
- “The Eagle” thinks Usman could become one of the greatest fighters of all time
Khabib Nurmagomedov heaped praise on Usman after the lightweight champion retained his title at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego.
Usman is right behind Islam
Khabib was thrilled to see Usman dominate Bellator’s lightweight division. Following his cousin’s decision win over Alexandr Shabliy, “The Eagle” raved about Usman. For Khabib, Islam Makhachev is the best lightweight in the world but right behind him is Usman.
“You know sometimes when you are 26 [years old] and you are fighting somebody who is 32, they are both on prime but 32 is much better than 26 and if you beat him, you jump to that different level. I think Usman is right now one of the best lightweights in the world. I was before, now it’s our brother Islam [Makhachev] and Usman is next. This is dynasty, I think many years people talked but they don’t understand why, because we work so hard, we believe to Allah, and we believe in ourselves,” Khabib said in a post-fight interview inside the cage.
Khabib reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov’s win:
“I think Usman is right now one of the best lightweights in the world. I was before, now it’s our brother Islam [Makhachev], and Usman is next.
This is dynasty.”pic.twitter.com/44yO939ROZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 8, 2024
Usman could be one of MMA’s GOAT
In a separate interview, Khabib talked about Usman’s potential to become even better as a fighter. The way “The Eagle” sees it, Usman could end up being one of the greatest fighters of all time.
“Tonight it was an amazing night for us, for all of our team. Usman did an amazing job against a very good and experienced opponent,” Khabib evaluated. “He showed the world why he is one of the best in the world. And he’s still growing, he just turned 26 years old, and I really believe that he’s going to have a great, great future he’s already made history by winning and defending his title three times, but can you imagine after five or six years? If this guy stays focused, he can put his name on one of the greatest top lists [of all time]. This is what I believe.”
“HE CAN PUT HIS NAME ON THE ALL TIME GREAT LIST” ☝️@TeamKhabib speaks at the end of #BellatorSanDiego after Usman Nurmagomedov defends his lightweight world title.#RoadToDubai pic.twitter.com/ptioFq1p9w
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) September 8, 2024
Unsurprisingly, Khabib has been very supportive of Usman and he cornered the Bellator champ in the Shabliy fight. In fact, the former UFC lightweight champion almost choked one of his teammates from the corner as he seemingly tried to instruct Usman to go for a submission attempt in the fourth round.
Check out Khabib in the clip below:
https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/1832639153755783620?ref
https://x.com/BellatorMMA/status/1832638595112341558
As it stands, Usman did not only defended his Bellator lightweight title but also kept his unbeaten record intact. He now has a pro MMA record of 18-0-1.
