- Over the past week, Khabib Nurmagomedov left Instagram messages for his fans twice , in which he hinted at the cancellation of the fight with Tony Ferguson at the UFC 249. You were surprised by this statement by a compatriot?
- When this fuss started, they realized that with a 80% probability the battle would not take place. There was talk that the show could be moved to Dubai, but for some reason it could not be done. In this regard, the UFC again decided to return to the idea of organizing it in the United States. But at the moment, the borders are closed, so Habib had to refuse.
- How long have you begun to suspect that the battle between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson will once again fail?
- About a week ago there were rumors that the tournament might not take place.
- Surely it’s extremely difficult for an athlete to prepare for a tournament in the face of uncertainty. How did you manage to focus on training?
- I worked hard until the last day - until the announcement of the final decision on the cancellation of fights. Only then they told me that you can relax.
- Given the fact that initially UFC 249 was supposed to be held in Brooklyn, where did you carry out the training?
- Trained in Russia. After a duel with Ion Kutselaba returned to his homeland and almost immediately began to prepare for a rematch. He took a break for a week, gained strength and returned to the hall again.
- Was there any plan to complete the preparatory process in one of the American halls?
- Initially, I considered this option. I thought a month before the tournament to go to the USA. But since then there was talk of a possible transfer of the show to Dubai, I decided to abandon this idea.
- Last week, rumors appeared that the tournament was being organized in Florida, and three cities were named as a possible place. Have you requested confirmation from the UFC on this issue?
- No, with regards to Florida, we did not specify. We just wanted to find out exactly where the show would take place, so that we could go there in advance. We were ready to fly to the USA if we were sure that the battles would take place there.
- The UFC did not ask you to play it safe and come to the USA to avoid possible problems with flights?
- No. The conversation was only about Dubai. Back in mid-March I was ready to go there. But they told me not to rush, as the venue could change. As a result, I waited, there was no news, and then the states closed the borders because of the coronavirus. And only after that there were rumors about the organization of the tournament in the United States.
- Did the UFC generally contact you regarding the venue of the show?
“No, but Habib himself explained how it really was.” He was just as well told that the event could take place in the UAE. He flew there for a reason. But then it was already impossible to get into the country.
- In your opinion, Nurmagomedov did the right thing, deciding not to return to the United States, but to fly to Russia after an unsuccessful attempt to enter the UAE?
- Sure. Habib did the right thing. Flights, acclimatization - all this takes away strength.
- If today there was an opportunity to fly to the USA to fight, would you agree?
- No. Too late. For such a period it will not work to come in optimal shape. In addition, there is a health hazard. The number of infected with coronavirus is steadily increasing. This is not a joke. Do we athletes have to risk ourselves? If a person has nothing to lose, then he can go for it. But that does not apply to me. Intends to stick to the plan.
- Do not you think that the UFC should not have forced athletes to remain in ignorance and constant tension, but to cancel the show in advance?
- It was noticeable that Dana White wanted to organize this tournament at all costs. It's hard to blame the promotion. It is necessary to treat his actions with understanding. At the same time, it cannot be ruled out that the UFC wanted the best, but they did not allow him to carry out his plan in full.
- Given the fact that five Russians were scheduled to fight in UFC 249 card at once, was it worth White to consider the idea of holding a show in Moscow or St. Petersburg?
- Yes, the championship could go towards it. Of course, the danger of getting infected still remained, but we could risk it if the tournament took place in Russia.
- But then he would have gone without spectators. Wouldn't that bother you?
“There has never been such an experience, so it's hard to judge.”
- Nikita Krylov admitted that he was more pleased to speak at a show in Brazil with empty stands, since he heard corners well and could concentrate on the battle ...
- People do not bother me. I can already hear my coaches so well. I don’t think I would feel the difference.
- You did not speak with the UFC about further plans?
- No. Now the pandemic situation has reached such a scale ... Panic reigns everywhere. There are no thoughts about battles.
- How do you react to the situation with coronavirus?
“I observe quarantine as a law-abiding citizen.” But I'm not in the city right now. I went to the mountains. Everything is calm here, there are no infected people. I think we can say that it is safe here.
- Your fight with Kutselaba ended very quickly, but the Moldavian himself did not agree with the referee's decision. In your opinion, was the stop timely?
- I do not know. The referee knows best, he's a professional. I can only say that Ion staggered. Was it possible to extend the fight a bit? I think yes. If during the stop of the fight I myself would remain on my feet, I would also be indignant.
- In your opinion, does it make sense for a rematch with Kutselaba?
- Not now. Especially considering that now the revenge will take place soon. My goal is to move forward to the top. If in the future the situation is such that a duel with him can move me forward, why not.
- When do you plan to hold the next match?
- Now I will take a break. In the past months, I trained non-stop, so recently I was exhausted. I was sick of the audience. In addition, ahead of Ramadan, I will fast. And two months after its completion, he is ready to return to the octagon. I plan to fight in July or August.
- Nurmagomedov said that he needed about 45 days only to restore the body after Ramadan. How do you manage to get in shape in such a short time?
“Habib needs to fight five rounds, and I need only three.” Therefore, I will need much less time.
- One gets the impression that the battle between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson is pursued by evil rock. Do you think fans will still see this fight?
- I do not know. It has been canceled five times already. It’s hard to say whether he is destined to take place.
- Ferguson is still called the most dangerous rival of Nurmagomedov. Do you agree?
- Someone may continue to think so, but I have a different opinion. With a probability of 99.9%, Habib will do the same with Tony as with previous opponents. The only chance for Ferguson is to open a cut at Nurmagomedov, because of which the referee will decide to stop the match.
- How important is the victory over Ferguson for the Nurmagomedov’s heritage?
- Habib will not lose anything if this fight does not take place. I think it is unprincipled. For me, he is a champion who has repeatedly proved that he deserves his title.
- Ferguson called on the UFC to strip Nurmagomedov’s belt. How did you feel about this?
“I think it will be unfair to Habib.” It’s not his fault that the battle went wrong.
- Rumor has it that Justin Gatji may take Nurmagomedov’s place. Do you think he can get the better of Ferguson?
“It's hard to say, but Tony is more dangerous.”
- Does it surprise you that Conor McGregor did not volunteer to replace Nurmagomedov?
- The man is resting. Perhaps he is not up to battles. When he is in shape, he always talks a lot.
- Do not you think that the UFC will try to implement a scenario in which McGregor defeats Ferguson in this tournament, thereby guaranteeing a rematch with Nurmagomedov?
- If the return fight takes place, then it will be difficult. McGregor is a puncher and can always count on his punch. But I think that Nurmagomedov will again prevail.