The challenge to Ferguson and the arrival of Dustin in Abu Dhabi: there are seven days left before the fight between Nurmagomedov and Porrier

Exactly a week remains before the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Porie. On September 7, they will meet in the title fight as part of the UFC 242 tournament, which will be held in Abu Dhabi.

The reigning lightweight champion has long arrived in the United Arab Emirates and continues to train there. Porje flew in seven days before entering the octagon. Although the sympathy of local fans will most likely be on the side of Nurmagomedov, the American fighter was warmly received at the airport.

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Publication by MMA Junkie (@mmajunkiedotcom) Aug 30, 2019 at 3:13 am PDT

Porje before the battle will need to have time to acclimatize and get used to changing time zones. Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, settled down enough in the UAE and held a telephone conference, during which he answered several questions about his career and the upcoming match. First of all, Nurmagomedov assured the fans that he was not going to leave mixed martial arts yet.

“I'm not going to leave yet. Yes, I am no longer a very young fighter, I just have to spend a few fights, because I will not fight until the age of 40. Before I think about ending my career, I will talk with the team, father. I will not make such a decision, ”the Russian quoted TASS.

Willingness to pursue a career raised a logical question about who next time Nurmagomedov plans to fight in case of victory over interim champion Porier. Habib gave a very predictable answer.

“Porje is an experienced fighter, he defeated the good guys and deserved the title fight. In case of victory next week, who deserves the next fight? Only Tony Ferguson, only he deserved it, ”RIA Novosti quoted Nurmagomedov as saying.

A fighter from Dagestan also said that he used his fame to tell the world about his native region and its culture. In addition, Nurmagomedov explained why he chose the nickname Eagle for himself.

“I want to show the world Dagestan culture. It is very important for me. I took the nickname Eagle, because it is a symbol of Dagestan. I use this platform to tell everyone about our culture. I don’t think every day about how to become the best fighter in the world, the best, regardless of weight categories. I only think about my current opponent, I am focused on this, ”Nurmagomedov added.

The Russian was also asked about his previous opponent Conor McGregor, the duel with which became one of the most discussed events in the UFC world. However, Nurmagomedov refused to discuss the Irishman and the possibility of meeting with him.

“Honestly, I don’t understand what you are asking me. When was the last time he won? Why do you keep talking about him? For two years he did nothing, and we continue to talk about him. I do not want to discuss it. We have a fight with Dustin Porrier, ”said the UFC champion.

In addition to the duel with Porrier, the Russian is waiting for another significant event in life. Soon he will become a father for the third time. He already has a four-year-old daughter and son, who will turn two in December. About replenishment in the family of the UFC champion, his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov spoke.

“Habib now has two children. We are waiting for the third. Habib must pay attention to the family. He watches me train his son. All exercises we have a general developmental plan. When he gets tired, they take him to sleep, ”said the Sport24 coach.

Nurmagomedov himself tries to never comment on his personal life and family affairs.

Porje also does not seek to reveal all cards. Although he talked a lot about preparing for the title fight, he did not voice the details of the process. Even those who trained next to the American fighter could not find out all the details. The Belarusian fighter Andrei Orlovsky, training in the same gym with Porje, admitted that he did not find his studies.

“He had a normal training camp, sort of. But I have not seen any of his training. He was hiding from everyone, hiding, ”said Orlovsky during a live broadcast on Instagram.

The world champion in professional boxing Alexander Usik also joined in the discussion of the upcoming fight. The Ukrainian athlete said that he supports the Russian fighter and considers senseless a rematch with Conor McGregor.

“Guys, I will root for Khabib Nurmagomedov. He was rooting for him when he fought against Red. Will Conor defeat Habib? Already won once, review the battle record. As for my attitude to Nurmagomedov, he is a robust and adequate guy who has a good philosophy of life, and he follows her without looking around, ”said Usyk while talking to fans on social networks.