Khabib Nurmagodemovs Topuria and compares him to McGregor: “You can tell he’s trying to be somebody”

One of the most anticipated matchups in the UFC will see Islam Makhachev take on Jack Della Maddalena, with the Australian putting his welterweight title on the line. Khabib Nurmagomedov, former lightweight champion and coach to the Russian, spoke about his protégé’s next bout – and offered his thoughts on Ilia Topuria, whom he compared to Conor McGregor.

Looking ahead to UFC 322, which could mark Makhachev’s return to the octagon, Khabib said that Della Maddalena is the only fighter who could truly trouble the reigning lightweight champion. He likened the Australian to Topuria: “He’s twice the size of Ilia. He’s taller, more solid, with stronger legs and a bulkier build. His boxing is just as sharp,” said The Eagle.

On the topic of the Spanish-Georgian fighter, Nurmagomedov noted that if El Matador hadn’t put Charles Oliveira to sleep at UFC 317, the outcome might have been very different. “If he hadn’t knocked him out, I don’t know how he would have won. But Oliveira gets dropped in every fight – that’s his problem. Islam, Gaethje, Chandler, Poirier… they’ve all put him down,” added the Russian.

Finally, the undefeated former fighter drew a line between McGregor and Ilia, suggesting that the latter “is a good guy, and it’s clear he’s trying to become someone.”

To close, Khabib offered his take on the next UFC event, UFC 319, headlined by Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. “Dricus is an interesting opponent – he’s tough and he’ll bring the fight. He’s not very accurate, but he throws a lot. Personally, I’d tell Khamzat to go after him. He should try to push hard at the start of the first two rounds,” Nurmagomedov concluded.

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