“Khabib on a different level”: Abdurakhimov on the superiority of Nurmagomedov, his battle with the Blades and comparison with Miocic

- In the UFC 242 tournament , you will fight with the American Curtis Blades. How was the preparation for the battle?

- All is well. There were no serious differences from preparation for previous battles. The training camp lasted about three months and was held at a high level. My opponent specializes in wrestling, so I paid particular attention to this aspect. First of all, protection. Although the attack was not forgotten either.

- Blades is famous for its struggle. In your opinion, are you superior to him in the stance?

- I think yes. In percussion technique I'm stronger. Each of us has our own strengths. You need to tune in to a tough match.

- Curtis will probably try to immediately transfer you to the ground. Will you try to stay on your feet or, on the contrary, would you rather fight it on the floor?

- If you still have to fight with him, then I will do it. I'm not going to be afraid. Still, I go out into the octagon to beat my opponent.

- Usually, fighters specially take wrestling trainers to their camp. Did you invite someone to prepare for the fight with the Blades?

- We have plenty of them - it makes no sense to call someone from the outside. During the preparation, my brother helped me a lot - he prompted, guided, corrected errors.

- At the moment, Blades is the fourth number of the UFC rating . Can you name three of your former rivals who are cooler fighters than the Blades?

- So many will not be typed. Perhaps Derrick Lewis could have imposed some competition on him. The Blades are the strongest of the fighters I've met. Everyone sees what place he occupies in the ranking table. I am sure he is there deservedly.

- In your opinion, the battles with Chase Sherman and Marchin Tybura proved that you are one of the best heavy-weight drummers?

- Over time, you need to change something. Perhaps at the start of my career at the UFC I was a little lacking in anger. Over time, I realized that my opponents needed to be beaten, and if possible very hard.

- The UFC really appreciates fighters who show spectacular fights and achieve early victories. Did it influence your decision to change the style?

- I really wanted to quickly get to the strongest athletes of their weight category. But at first, the plan did not work out - there were intense battles with everyone.

- Recently, Sergey Kharitonov said that he, as a fighter, is better than Stipe Miochich. Do you think a fair statement?

- The American is the current UFC heavyweight champion. If Kharitonov thinks so, then this is his right.

- And you yourself can say that you are superior to Miocic in some aspects?

- I do not think it is right to say that you are in some way worse or better than this or that fighter. To do this, you need to meet him in a cage and win.

- If we talk about the main fight of the evening, then on paper Porye seems like an obvious underdog. Many are sure that he has no chance to defeat Habib. Do you agree?

- Each fighter has a chance to win. Habib himself says that he is superior to Dustin in everything. I think so.

- Do you also think that Porye is utterly weaker than Nurmagomedov?

- Yes. Nurmagomedov at a different level. Suffice it to recall the duel between Porrier and Holloway. Look at Max - he is very thin, but Dustin has never transferred him to the ground. This suggests what he is capable of in grappling.

- Habib’s father said that Porye could last no more than 7-8 minutes in a fight with Nurmagomedov. Do you agree?

- Abdulmanap is an experienced coach. He has worked with many students. If he thinks so, then he can be trusted.

- There is no fear that Nurmagomedov might approach the battle with Porye insufficiently assembled, since he is an indisputable favorite in the eyes of both experts and fans?

- Not. Habib understands where he is. Realizes that you can’t relax. I can’t say that I seriously fear for his mood.

- Many say that the tournament in the UAE is almost a home show for Russian fighters. Which is better - in Abu Dhabi or in Moscow?

- Abu Dhabi is better. The capital is also not bad, but here Russian fighters really feel at home.