A week remains before the start of the UFC 254 tournament, and in the world of mixed martial arts, the upcoming fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gatji is being discussed more and more.
While the fighters themselves are completing the training camp and preparing for the weight-cutting procedure, experts suggest how the upcoming fight for the lightweight title will end.
In May, Gaethje created a sensation and ended Tony Ferguson's unbeaten streak of 12 fights, prompting many to change their minds.
If earlier he was considered a straightforward striker who did not pay much attention to defense and tactics, then after that fight he was recognized as one of the best lightweights in the world at the moment.
At the same time, Alexander Emelianenko was especially impressed by Justin's abilities and put him above Khabib's other opponents.
“This is the most inconvenient opponent for Nurmagomedov.
He hits well and fights.
It is not known in what form Khabib will approach this battle, how much he will be charged for victory.
It will be hard for him.
Khabib is closest to the first defeat.
The ring equates everyone.
There is no difference where to fight: even in Abu Dhabi, even in Moscow, even in Dagestan.
If the fighter is ready, he will win.
But the Russian may underestimate the opponent.
Nevertheless, we will keep our fists for Khabib, ”Vseprosport quotes Emelianenko Jr.
Of course, Gaethje's main advantage is considered his skill in the stance, which allowed him to complete all five fights won under the auspices of the UFC by knockout.
Moreover, even Dustin Poirier admired his skills, who inflicted a crushing defeat on him in April 2018.
Among other things, the former lightweight title contender shared his expectations for the fight and suggested that he could bring success to his compatriot.
“If Gaethje manages to stay in the center of the octagon and away from the net, then his achievements and experience in wrestling will allow him to keep the fight in a standing position.
And we all know what he gets up to with his overhends, going into exchanges.
In such conditions everyone can get it ... It is impossible to block all the blows.
Personally, I find it easier to deal with someone who skillfully performs a series of 2-3 hits than with someone who brings down overhands and other sweeping punches.
Here you are dealing with different angles and different timing, "- said Poirier on the air of the Teddy Atlas podcast.
According to the former interim champion, if Nurmagomedov manages to push Gatji to the net and use his unique wrestling skills there, he will be able to win the 29th consecutive victory in his career.
Otherwise, Justin will have a chance.
In addition, the ex-challenger speculated about Gaji's wrestling skills, which could be one of the key factors in the coming battle.
Justin is known for his performances in the NCAA First Division wrestling, but Poirier doubts that this experience will greatly help him in his fight with Khabib.
“I'll note something that we haven't talked about yet.
Gaethje has achievements in wrestling.
But in the struggle that is practiced at the student level, there is no net, and Khabib tears his rivals right there, at the net ... He works with his legs like with his hands, and he has such a balance ... In training, I have not yet encountered what Khabib arranged by pressing to the grid ... Let's see if Gatji is ready for this, "concluded Poirier.
Khamzat Chimayev also respects Gaetzha's abilities.
The rising star of mixed martial arts, although he preferred Nurmagomedov, noted that the American has a chance to create a sensation.
“I think Khabib will win.
70 to 30. But Justin has hefty punches.
If he hits, then anything can happen.
We'll see, "Chimaev said during a press conference.
At the same time, other representatives of the MMA world are less optimistic about Gaethje's chances of success.
So, UFC bantamweight champion Pyotr Yan expressed the opinion that Nurmagomedov will have an advantage during the fight and will eventually win another early victory.
“Gatji will work as number two, because Nurmagomedov is always pressing.
It will be beneficial for Khabib if Justin goes to him in order to transfer him to the ground at the oncoming moment.
Their picture of the battle will change, you will see ... The denouement will come in the third or fourth round.
Khabib will take control, he will break up there, ”Yan said in an interview with the Hands Higher YouTube channel.
The Russian fighter especially drew attention to another trump card of Gatji.
We are talking about low-kicks, which in many ways helped him to prevail over Ferguson.
Yang rightly suggested that Nurmagomedov needed to beware of the opponent's kicks and work at an average distance.
“We know Gaethje hits hard with a right low kick and hits hard with his right hand.
You need to move behind his left leg to exclude these moments.
After which Khabib needs to turn on his tricks.
And if the fight is at long range, then Gaethi will have time to develop his strengths, ”added Jan.
Kamil Hajiyev, head of the Fight Nights Global promotion, does not doubt the success of Nurmagomedov.
According to him, the fight with Gatji, although it will not be an easy walk, will take place under the dictation of the Russian fighter.
“I think Khabib is the clear favorite.
Gatji's strengths are obvious, he is very strong, including in wrestling, but still the scenario of this fight will completely depend on Nurmagomedov ... Khabib finishes Gatji somewhere in the fourth round, "Hajiyeva quotes News.ru.
Joe Rogan does not doubt the strength of Nurmagomedov.
The renowned comedian and longtime UFC commentator admired not only Khabib's technical skills, but also his ability to dominate his opponents, regardless of their level.
“Khabib knocks everyone down.
It doesn't matter how good you are.
Rafael Dos Anjos is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He smeared it.
He smashes everyone, all his opponents.
I was impressed with all of Khabib's performances in the octagon.
He is undefeated, which is a rarity in our sport, and even more so in the lightweight division.
This is incredibly impressive.
He is like a spider that injects poison into your body and slowly breaks your body.
This was evident in Edson Barbosa's face after the first round.
He seems to be still alive, but this is not the same fighter, ”Rogan said on the air of his own podcast.
Among other things, he highly appreciated the strength of the spirit of Nurmagomedov, which has repeatedly helped him achieve success in the cage.
In his opinion, the guarantee of this is the origin of the fighter.
“Khabib cannot be broken psychologically.
I think this is a person of a different caliber.
These Dagestanis are so tough - it's a harder, more violent part of our world.
People are stronger there because of the hard life, ”added Rogan.
At the same time, American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) head coach and Russian mentor Javier Mendes was more reserved in his comments.
He noted the strength of Gatji and did not rule out that the upcoming duel might not go according to Nurmagomedov's plan.
“Now I put Gatji as the second most dangerous opponent (in Nurmagomedov's career. - RT).
But it may well become the first number.
I put him second after Conor, but I could be wrong.
We will see.
If we can't knock him down, we'll have to fight in a rack.
I foresee the possibility that the fight will have to be fought with hands, because if it does, and I do not foresee this, then we will be caught off guard by our own indiscretion.
So I assume that we will not be able to knock him down, and we will have to fight with him in a stance.
I hope that it will not be so, that we will be able to transfer him to the ground, but we must be prepared for other cases as well, ”Mendes said on Submission Radio.
Representatives of other sports also shared their expectations from one of the main fights of the year.
So, the forward of Turin Juventus and the Portuguese national team Cristiano Ronaldo told who he considers the favorite of the main fight of UFC 254.
“Of course, Khabib will win!
My brother.
Inshallah, "Ronaldo said live on Instagram.
The former head coach of the Moscow Lokomotiv Yuri Semin also answered the question about the battle.
The specialist admitted that he will definitely watch the performance of the Russian champion, but refrained from making any predictions.
“I will never miss this fight.
We will watch and cheer for Khabib.
My opinion about the fight is formed solely from this - from the support of the fighter.
I often watched Nurmagomedov's fights.
The rest are not.
Hope he wins.
I can't say why.
He knows better how he can win, "RB-Sport quotes Semin.