Khabib Nurmagomedov has admitted that he is concerned about the threat of Jack della Maddalena prior to the collision of Islam Makhachev against the Australian.
Earlier this year, Islam Makhachev shockingly fired its UFC light weight title in the pursuit of a welterweight title fight against newly crowned champion Jack della Maddalena after he had dentor Muhammad on UFC 315.
Initially, Della Maddalena hoped to fight Australia, but that idea was quickly closed by Makhachev who argued Dana White for the fight to take place in Madison Square Garden.
And with that the Australian champion gave a timeline for their collision and claimed that it will probably take place towards the end of the year.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that della Maddalena will be the most difficult fight in Makhachev
Prior to the long -awaited title fight, Makhachev was warned about the threat of Della Maddalena by various UFC stars, and many fans and experts even choose Della Maddalena to beat the Russian.
And the worries about the threat that the Australian boxer presents is shared by the coach of Makhakev and one of the greatest hunters ever, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Although Makhachev is generally considered the pound-for-pound number one, there is a feeling of unknown on the way to this matchup because it will be his first on 170 pounds.
And despite the fact that he fought such as Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski, Khabib explained why he thinks Della Maddalena will be the most difficult opponent of his career.
“In these fights a small error can cost you everything. One small slip-up,” Khabib began to explain in the crowds.
“No, no, no, brother, we don't see it (that Islam is the favorite in the matchup). I don't see it. I think Maddalena is the most difficult opponent in the career of Islam, that's my opinion. Not Charles, no one else.
“None of those other hunters, that's just my personal opinion (not even Ilia Topuria). First of all, Maddalena is twice as large as Ilia, he is twice as large. Longer, larger, stronger legs, bigger frame is just as good.
“And his wrestling, he clambers really well. For me, if we prepare Islam for Ilia or Maddalena, I would worry more – and more worries about Maddalena. Much more,” Khabib continued.
Khabib reveals who could be behind Della Maddalena for Makhachev
Although Ilia Topuria recently won the UFC light weight title, it is unlikely that a fight between him and Makhachev will not happen quickly, but could still happen in the future.
If Makhachev successfully beats Della Maddalena to become the Welterweight champion, Nurmagomedov claimed that forgotten welterweight Kamaru Usman could be the following for the Russian.
“Who is even over? There is (Ian Machado) Garry, there is Shavkat (Rakhmonov), there is Kamaru (Usman). It is very difficult for me to view Maddalena. He is a good hunter. But let's introduce ourselves hypothetically (Islam wins), I think Kamaru might be an option.