Training Nurmagomedov

Less than two weeks are left before the UFC 242 tournament in Abu Dhabi, and the training of fighters goes to the finish line. Khabib Nurmagomedov has long arrived in the United Arab Emirates, where he conducts the final part of training before a full-time match. So, a Russian is engaged under the guidance of his father Abdulmanap and a leading specialist at the American Kickboxing Academy, Javier Mendes.

Based on the photographs, it can be concluded that Nurmagomedov pays special attention to the shock technique. Porrier is famous for his boxing qualities and a knockout punch, which is confirmed by his 13 early victories over his career. In this regard, the decision of Habib to pay special attention to the work in the rack, as well as before the fight with Conor McGregor, does not raise any questions.

“Everything is going fine, a couple of days of sparring and we are ready. Thanks to Almighty for surrounding me with good people, ”Nurmagomedov wrote on his Instagram page.

In preparation for the battle, Habib is assisted by 35-year-old Shamil Zavurov, as well as his younger brother Umar. On August 8, he won his 11th consecutive victory in his career, taking the upper hand over Sidemar Honorio in the Professional Fighting League (PFL) 6.

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Posted by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) Aug 26, 2019 at 3:52 am PDT

Forecasts of specialists

At the same time, in the Nurmagomedov camp, they believe that Khabib is a favorite in the upcoming battle. So, his father Abdulmanap paid tribute to Porrier, but noted that the American would be dangerous only during the first 7-8 minutes of the fight.

“I gave Barbose 6-7 minutes. Porrier is better prepared functionally, breathes better. But I think Khabib will offer him a good pace, and in the middle of the second round it will become clear which side will have the advantage. Accidents can also happen, but it seems to me that tactics will determine the winner, ”Nurmagomedov Sr. Sport24 quotes.

The mentor also admitted that Javier Mendes complained to him that during the fighting Khabib sometimes deviates from the planned plan and does not comply with it 100%.

“He is joking, of course. Javier is pleased with the work. Habib sometimes likes to prove that he is not bad at all, but why do we need this? You can box on equal terms with everyone, but there is a chance to fall. This approach is not beneficial for us. We will act on different floors, like Georges Saint-Pierre. Where it will be better for us, there we will work. Habib has no right to make a mistake. He chooses the tactics that bring victory, ”added Abdulmanap.

According to the first Russian Bellator champion Alexander Shlemenko, the duel between Nurmagomedov and Porye is practically devoid of intrigue.

“I look forward to Habib fighting and controlling him. The fight will definitely last three rounds, and maybe the whole distance. If Nurmagomedov finishes, then in the fourth or fifth round because of Porie’s tiredness, ”Shlemenko told Sport Express.

At the same time, the winner of the UFC 6 tournament Oleg Taktarov expressed the opinion that the American has a chance to get the better of the Russian athlete.

“The fact that Habib will not be easy is clear. I can say one thing: whoever wins, there is a great chance of revenge. If there are two fights, both will win once, ”Taktarov predicted.

Competition between McGregor and Mayweather

On August 26, 2017, Conor and Floyd met in one of the most high-profile fights in the history of sports. The fight between a professional boxer and a mixed martial arts fighter attracted the attention of the whole world and showed the second result in the history of the number of paid broadcasts (PPV) sales, losing only to “Fight of the Century” with the participation of the same American and Manny Pacquiao. So, the opportunity to personally witness the confrontation between McGregor and Mayweather gained 4.3 million people.

The undefeated American won his 50th fight in his career, surpassed the legendary Rocky Marciano in this indicator and hung his gloves on a nail. True, this did not save from rumors of revenge between the athletes who regularly heated one or the other. Once there was even a rumor that Mayweather resumed training specifically to prepare for the return match, but in the end he only met with Tenshin Natsukawa in an exhibition fight in Japan.

As it became known this week, soon McGregor and Mayweather will have the opportunity to meet again face to face. According to the International Business Times, athletes will take part in the New Year's edition of the Japanese television show "Superstars", in which celebrities compete in various competitions. It is noted that Natsukawa will also take part in the program, and the Irish fee will be $ 12 million.

Usman and Holloway title defenses

While fans of mixed martial arts are expecting a battle between Nurmagomedov and Porie, UFC matchmakers are working on organizing title fights in other divisions. So, in the very near future we should expect a fight in the light and welterweight, where Max Holloway and Kamaru Usman reign.

Judging by media reports, the next rival of the Hawaiian will be Alexander Volkanovsky. The Australian made his UFC debut in November 2016 and has since taken over seven times. Moreover, his “victims” include the former first challenger for the title Chad Mendes and ex-champion Jose Aldu. Such successes allowed him to win the title of the first number in the featherweight rating, which automatically made him the main contender for the fight for the belt.

It is noted that the battle will take place as part of the UFC 245 tournament, which will be held December 14 in Las Vegas. At the moment, only two fights appear in the show's schedule. The current champion in the bantamweight champion Amanda Nunez will fight with Germaine de Randamy, and Jessica Ai will meet with Vivien Araujo.

As for Usman, the Nigerian may hold his first title defense at the UFC 244 tournament, which will be held November 3 in the legendary New York "Madison Square Garden." According to Globo, his rival will be former interim champion Colby Covington, who recently defeated Robbie Lawler.

Over the past year, Covington managed to turn into one of the most hated MMA fighters in the world, noting a number of scandalous acts. So, he publicly bullied the Brazilians, quarreled live with Misha Tate, repeatedly insulted Dana White, and also tried to disrupt an open training session before the fight between Usman and Tyrone Woodley. True, this did not stop the Nigerian from taking over her counterpart and becoming a champion.