The Return of the Last Emperor to Japan, an appeal to Nurmagomedov and the irony of Emelianenko: what is being discussed in the world of MMA

“Habib is cooler than Conor, and that's a fact.”

On Wednesday, the UFC published a new list of the organization’s best fighters, regardless of weight category. The positions of the champion in lightweight promotion from Russia Khabib Nurmagomedov in it remained unshakable. A native of Dagestan is still second and second only to John Jones, who has twice defended his heavyweight belt. On the third line is the champion in two weight categories at once, Henry Sehudo. But Israel Adesanye managed to break into the top 10, who last week proved stronger than Robert Wittaker in the battle for the title of the strongest middleweight champion.

Meanwhile, all mixed martial arts enthusiasts are waiting with interest who will become Nurmagomedov’s next rival. So far, everything has come to the point that Khabib will still come to grips with the challenger for the title, Tony Ferguson, despite the desire of Conor McGregor to get a rematch. At the same time, the manager of Nurmagomedov Ali Abdel-Aziz even urged the American not to hide from the Russian.

“Drag your ass here in March or April, get it and get it, finish your career. That's all. If you fight once a year, there is no demand for you, ”Abdel-Aziz quotes ESPN.

Meanwhile, the desire to fight with Nurmagomedov was announced by another notable UFC lightweight fighter Justin Gatgy, who defeated Donald Cerrone in September. At the same time, the American spoke about the current champion with utmost respect.

“Habib is the brightest superstar in the world. He's cooler than Conor, and that's a fact. Behind it is one of the largest countries, yes, the largest country in the world supports it. What are we doing here? ”- quotes Gatgi MMAJunkie.

According to him, he would like to have time to fight with a Russian, who is increasingly thinking about ending his career.

“I want to please the audience again with a beautiful fight”

If Nurmagomedov does not yet know the name of his closest rival, then Fedor Emelianenko received on Wednesday, October 9, official information about the fight with the American Quinton Jackson, nicknamed Rampage. Bellator management confirmed that the fight, as expected, will be held on December 29 in Tokyo. After that, the rivals spoke about each other with great respect. In particular, Jackson admitted that Emelianenko was always his favorite fighter.

“It is strange to fight with someone who took an example. He always showed the show, always wanted to win ahead of schedule, this is one of the most spectacular fighters in history. But I accept the challenge and am glad that the fight will be held in Japan, a country where I really like to play, ”the athlete said at a press conference.

In turn, the Last Emperor promised to hold a vivid battle in Japan.

“19 years ago, I first spoke here and with all my heart fell in love with this country. I miss the atmosphere that prevailed here, I miss the friends with whom we spoke together. I want to again please the audience with a beautiful battle. Quinton and I will make every effort to ensure that the fans remember this as a beautiful and memorable sight, ”the Russian said.

After that, the opponents held a “duel of views”, and Emelianenko was once again forced to talk about his future. Fedor admitted that he was considering ending his career. At the same time, Bellator President Scott Cocker said that under the contract with the promotion, the Russian will hold three more fights, the last of which is at home.

Fedor vs Rampage December 29th in Japan! # BellatorJapanpic.twitter.com / uXfXlowpn9

“I have no conflict with my brother”

While Emelianenko Sr. is preparing for a fight in Japan, his younger brother continues to piss off his future rival, the famous strongman Mikhail Koklyaev. A fighter does not literally miss a single opportunity to prick an opponent.

“I came to a Chinese institution to eat. I open the first page - Made in China, and here are the Chinese khinkali. Misha, you are chasing me everywhere. Calm down, stop. Get ready for battle. See you in the ring on November 29, ”Emelianenko wrote on Instagram.

Previously, Alexander had already joked about the fact that his opponent would have to limit himself in food.

At the same time, Emelianenko Jr. answered rather harshly to Koklyaev, who recently said that he wanted to reconcile his opponent with his older brother.

“Nonsense. You don’t have to climb here. I have no conflict with Brother Fedor. I dialed him a year ago. We talked on the phone. I asked if he had any questions for me. He replied: “No, everything is fine, I am not offended. Are you offended? "I said no," the Sport24 fighter quotes.

He also talked about why he had not yet met with Fedor personally.

“He said we need to see each other and talk. I asked him when he was free to dial me. I don’t take offense at him, nor does he at me. But Fedya did not call back because he was very busy. And I don’t worry, ”added Emelianenko Jr.