“Russian fighters get into the UFC by getting to know each other”: Balaev about the tournament in Moscow, McGregor's success and the Nurmagomed phenomenon

“Do you think Conor McGregor is a legend?”

- Professionally, of course. Let him play along a bit, but he took two belts. Always reinforced the words with deeds, spoke with an injured leg. Despite all the difficulties, he constantly made weight. He is a great fellow. Personally, I have not reached such heights.

- How do you feel about his statements?

“I don't like what he says.” Therefore, I can’t be his fan.

“You said you played along with him.” What exactly?

- After moving to lightweight, he immediately got a fight for the title. It's not just like that. Dana White helped him. Somewhere they held Khabib Nurmagomedov. Of course, he himself was repeatedly removed from the fights, but his progress was slowed down. It is enough to recall how many times he was refused a fight with Anthony Pettis when he was the champion. Sometimes it was not believed that the Russians would be given a chance to win the belt. But in the end he broke through. Patience and work.

• Balaev - about the greatness of McGregor

- Many said that McGregor was specifically given suitable rivals. Do you agree with that?

- Not. You can recall the episode with the injury of Jose Aldo. MacGregor was supposed to fight with the Brazilian for the belt, but he withdrew from the battle and was replaced by a fighter Chad Mendes. When they came to announce this, he replied that they were all the same. Nevertheless, the American showed his weaknesses, which Nurmagomedov later took advantage of. Moreover, the first round was very difficult for Habib. With great difficulty, he transferred Conor to the stalls.

- McGregor deserves a rematch with Nurmagomedov?

- Not. The fight ended ahead of schedule. But I do not see a problem. Let him win one or two fights and again become the first challenger. McGregor has already achieved everything. God bless everyone to achieve this. He had a fight with Floyd Mayweather, earned millions of dollars, took two titles. Conor has made history.

- During his visit to Moscow, he spoke harshly about Dagestan in general and Khabib in particular. How does Nurmagomedov react to this?

- You can’t say this, no matter what kind of people we are talking about. This demonstrates a lack of education. There are no bad nationalities. Perhaps by saying this, he considers himself a hero. But this is moronity. In my opinion, let him continue on. I myself will never say that. The same goes for his words about gay marriage. For us, this is something otherworldly.

- What would you hypanuli on?

“I’m lucky because you don’t have to invent anything yourself.” I have a story. It’s not necessary to say that I’ll eat someone’s children, someone will kick my ass. You have to behave naturally.

- In Russia, does trash current have the right to life?

- You need to do something, but the line is very thin. I can say the same thing as McGregor. But if the same Dagestan comes up to me and demands to answer for the words, I will do it. I will not hide. McGregor walks with the guard and shouts something from behind them.

- On December 14, you will have a fight with Diego Brandao at the ACA 103 tournament in St. Petersburg. How is the preparation going?

- Everything goes on the thumb. Almost nothing special, except for the return of the old-new coach Ali Khasanov.

- How do you rate your future opponent?

- Psychologically strong, explosive fighter. Brandao has a whole range of qualities that need to be feared, but there are also disadvantages. I think I’ll calmly deal with him.

- Recently, Conor McGregor said that Brandao is worthy to play in the UFC. Do you think victory over him can attract the attention of the largest MMA promotion in the world?

- Diego is a shocking person, on everyone’s lips. This is my first foreign opponent, before that I mainly fought with Caucasians. This battle will be watched not only in Russia, but also abroad.

- In 2020, the UFC plans to hold two tournaments in Russia, and one of them with a high degree of probability will not be held in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Would you agree to speak at one of them?

- At the moment I have a contract with ACA.

- In early November, the UFC Fight Night 163 tournament was held in Moscow. What are your impressions?

“I didn't like him very much.” Of course, Zabit Magomedsharipov pleased, although he got tired at the end. He has a good striking technique, he always fights beautifully. Otherwise, there was little desire to watch this show.

- The tournament held 11 fights, in seven of which the domestic athletes lost. What is the reason for this?

- Because Russian fighters get into the UFC when they meet. As a result, they are not the best. Believe me, in Russia there are a huge number of talents who can show themselves better. Nevertheless, it is very difficult for them to break even into Russian promotions, not to mention the Absolute Fighting Championship.

- In the UFC, there are many partners in the team of Nurmagomedov. Do you hint at the patronage of him?

- No, they get there not only with the help of Habib. Many come through Thailand, Dagestan. There are several channels through which athletes are delivered. Agents do not think that it is worth sending talented athletes, but try to push their own.

- At that tournament, the first fight in the history of the UFC between the two Russians took place, in which Rustam Khabilov defeated Sergei Khanozhko. How do you feel about fights between compatriots in the USA?

- Sooner or later, this was to happen. I myself do not want to fight with the Russians. He himself asked to fight with Brandao, because he was tired of fighting with his compatriots. May the whole country cheer for me.

- January 1, you will be 44 years old. How long do you plan to fight?

- Each time I set myself some deadline, but then I can not stop. But I think after 45 years I will look ridiculous.

- Nevertheless, Randy Couture became the UFC champion at the age of 45 years.

- You see. By and large, fighting in order to protect my old age, loved ones were not bad. I’ll live due to my name, but there are many people around who need help. The duration of my career depends on the well-being of my loved ones.

- Do you think an athlete should leave the sport at the peak of his abilities or continue to perform as long as possible?

- Preferably, at the peak. Look at Habib. He has already earned enough money, has achieved a lot. He can hold a couple of fights and retire if he has the courage. You need to have the spirit to complete your career.

- At the same time, there are many fighters who continue to perform at a very mature age ...

- For example, Fedor Emelianenko. But who can blame him for this? He did a lot for Russia, himself, his wife, family. He is a great fighter, inscribed himself in history, took part in many significant fights. Nobody will take it from him. But in our country they quickly forget their heroes.

- What do you have in mind?

- Remember what they said about Konstantin Tszyu during his career, and now he is not interesting to anyone. The same applies to Fedor. Therefore, I squeeze out all the juices. I know that as soon as I put my gloves on a nail, they will immediately forget about me.

- Recently, Nurmagomedov often talks about soon ending his career. Do not you think that in this way he risks undermining his legacy, because his stay at the top will not be very long?

- I do not think that he set himself the goal of speaking for a long time. It happens that a person is charged to win a belt, but upon reaching this result he does not know what to do next. It is worth noting that Nurmagomedov is not only the UFC champion. He is respected by people, he feels comfortable from a financial point of view, can develop in other directions. Entering the octagon, the athlete risks his health, and Habib also has an ideal track record.

• Balaev - about the desire of Nurmagomedov to end his career

- Does the zero in the “defeat” column pressure the fighter?

“Of course he thinks about it.” At one time I was in the same position. Before each fight, I was declared undefeated. After the first failure, it seemed to me that the load fell from the soul.

- In your opinion, what is more correct - to end your career in 32 years, as Nurmagomedov wants or to continue performing after 40 years, how do you and, for example, Fedor Emelianenko do this?

“I think Habib needs to leave after a couple of fights.” But the main thing is how much he himself needs it. I'm not sure that he enjoys the process when you have to drive 20 kilograms, and constantly flies over the head in training. Especially if millions are on the account. In this case, it is necessary to realize how much he influenced the development of MMA in Dagestan.

- More specifically ...

- Schools and halls opened, the Gorilla Fighting Championship promotion was formed. All this came about thanks to him.

- What do you think, who is the greatest Russian fighter - Fedor or Khabib?

“Why compare them?” Fedor was great at the time, Habib - now. I remember Emelianenko very well, the whole country was proud of him. He not only won, but did it in a beautiful style. Nurmagomedov is the UFC champion, this is a great achievement.

- Fedor and Khabib are great fighters, but Balaev?

- They say more about me because of the story. There are achievements, but not in the UFC. Professionals understand that I spent many hard battles, fought for the title, but most will say that it was outside the Absolute Fighting Championship.