Khabib Nurmagomedov has a big, big task ahead of him at UFC 219.
Undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov passed the first test by making 155.5 lbs for his co-main event. Next up, is the fight itself against Edson Barboza who may very well be his toughest test to date.
On paper, Barboza is a nightmare challenge for Nurmagomedov. He is a dynamic striker whose sole objective will be keeping the fight standing. He also has that added flair that makes him a knockout threat at any stage of the fight.
The only thing is, on paper, Nurmagomedov is an awful match-up for just about everyone. The 24 fighters who’ve tried and failed to steal his 0 will tell you all about how difficult the grappling monster is to beat.
No debate over the number one @Ealvarezfight https://t.co/4c7KKujBID
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 29, 2017
It wasn’t that long ago when people were suggesting Nurmagomedov should move up to welterweight. After his botched weight cut ruined one of the most intriguing match-ups ever against Tony Ferguson, some folks were calling for him to change divisions.
However, as he told UFC reporter Megan Olivi, this weight cut’s been going so well, a cut down to featherweight may be on the cards in the future.
“I feel great. My weight is very good. To be honest, I am thinking about next fight maybe I am going to 145.”
“We are thinking about this. I am going to focus on Barboza first, but we’ll see. Maybe 145. We’re gonna see, with my team, we’re going to see first of all how I feel Friday morning. We’ll see. We’re gonna make a plan.”
“Maybe I’m gonna take the 155 belt and then fight for the title — champion vs. champion – at 145. I think I can make this weight, 145, too. This time things are very different. I changed a lot of things. Eat like champion, train like champion, sleep like champion — everything.”
