MMA
Khabib Nurmagomedov gives Islam Makhachev ultimate compliment following UFC 330: "He has reached the pinnacle of this sport"
Zuffa LLCKhabib Nurmagomedov has some big praise for Islam Makhachev in the aftermath of UFC 330.
Makhachev was in search of history this past Saturday in Philadelphia. The king of the welterweight division had his first successful 170-pound title defense, and broke a UFC record for most consecutive wins. Makhachev utilized his grappling and had success in the standup against Ian Machado Garry to fight his way to a unanimous decision.
Nurmagomedov was the main voice in Makhachev's corner on fight night, and he hopped on Instagram to share the utmost praise for his longtime friend and protege.
“There's a word: Achievement,†Nurmagomedov wrote. “In sports, it means a lot, and Islam and ‘achievement' are synonyms. He has reached the pinnacle of this sport, broken the record for the longest winning streak in UFC history, and is rightfully considered one of the best athletes to ever step into the Octagon. May the Almighty keep you safe, Brother.â€
Prior to Saturday's big UFC on Paramount+ event, longtime color commentator Joe Rogan said he wouldn't be surprised if Makhahcev were to retire with a win over Garry, but the 170-pound ruler doesn't plan to wrap things up just yet. Makhachev will be taking some time to heal up following a hard-fought win over Garry, but he wants to fight again prior to Ramadan.
Top welterweight contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales were in attendance for UFC 330. Makhachev has said he believes Prates is ahead of Morales on the pecking order. The champion believes Morales has been too inactive and needs to at least win a No. 1 contender fight.
As for Garry, he issued a video statement on his Instagram page. “The Future†claimed to have taken Makhachev to the wire, and he still believes he can become a UFC titleholder.
Who should be the next challenger for Islam Makhachev's UFC welterweight title? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
Zuffa LLCUFC flyweight contender Manel Kape believes Joshua Van will be too slow for him in their heavily rumored title fight.
While it hasn't been officially announced, it seems like all roads are leading to Joshua Van vs Manel Kape for the UFC flyweight championship, a contest that many have been waiting to see for quite some time.
RELATED: Joshua Van, Manel Kape fire shots at each other ahead of potential title fight: ‘Finally came out of hiding'
Van is leading the way as the new face of the flyweight division, but Manel Kape is ready and eager to prove that he is the one who deserves to be the top guy at 125 pounds.
In a recent interview, Manel Kape had the following to say about how he expects that fight to play out.
Manel Kape's view on possible Joshua Van clash
“I know the power that I possess. I know the skill I possess,†Kape told Daniel Cormier. “When I say this fight is going to be too easy, it's going to be too easy. He's going to be very slow. The way he throws the punches is going to be slow to me. This fight is going to be like Anderson Silva against Forrest Griffin. I apologize: I love Forrest Griffin, but it's going to be like this. That's the fight I really see. That's the levels I see I'm above him.
“Remember these words. We will find out. That's the way Van is to me. I just beat the most difficult fighter in our division. Kyoji is going to be there again. This guy is a different animal. You need to be very, very smart to fight this guy. You need to have knowledge. You need to have strategy to beat a karate guy like him. If it was Van against Kyoji, Kyoji would put him to sleep in the first round. That's the way I see it. I know the levels of this game.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Who would you back to win if this fight takes place? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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