Has the 'myth' and the 'Aura of Invincibility' around Team Khabib destroyed?
Between UFC 311: Makhachev vs Moicano and PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: Nurmagomedov vs Hughes, Team Khabib went 2-1 in their world title fights.
Although you could assume that it was the sensational underdog victory of Merab Dvalishvili that was central here; It is actually the title-retaring victory for Usman Nurmagomedov that protrudes to 'The Hangman'.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty images
Dan Hooker says that 'wrong' was made in the recognition of Usman Nurmagomedov
After his razor-close majority decision in Dubai, Usman Nurmagomedov would admit that he was being tested and challenged as never before, which stated that he had undoubtedly underestimated the capacities of Paul Hughes.
“Paul Hughes, brother, you are the man, you are really the man,” acknowledged the PFL Lightweight Champion.
“To be honest, I underestimated this guy, that was my fault, but still unbeaten, undisputed lightweight champion … I never took this [much] Damage while I take on this fight, I have a lot of pain in my body – thanks for this fight. “
Speaking against Ariel Helwani, the popular UFC light weight would then claim 'the hangman' hooker that a 'mistake was made' by Nurmagomedov to admit such a test -and that the 'myth' surrounding team khabib -hunters is deeply printed.
“I feel that a mistake has been made, I feel like usman [Nurmagomedov] Did a mistake when he came to the microphone – when did you ever see one of the Dagestani boys on the microphone and say they were tired, they were injured, were they pushed to their absolute breaking point?
“We have seen them in heavy fighting before, but we have never seen one of them come on the microphone and admit it – I think that was a mistake [on his part] … the only thing he had to do was to come on the microphone and say 'smash, smash everyone' and walk away. '
Hooker stated that keeping 'short and simple' after the fight reactions is the name of the game for hunters from Dagestan; And that had usman Nurmagomedov who retained persona, fans would soon have forgotten that the fight against Hughes was so close.
“But he has haumalized himself, and that is the thing with boys who have been there with Islam [where] You fall for the myth and you don't fight the man. And that is with a great champion; We are in the sport of 'Monkey See, Monkey Do'.
“That team has done an incredible work to protect that myth and to keep itself with very impressive records and not to look compromised, with a style in which they are not fell, cut or caught – but yes, I just have the feeling that that was one wrong. “
Paul Hughes accepts the invitation of Khabib Nurmagomedov on one condition
If there was some doubt that Paul Hughes Ushman Nurmagomedov gave his most difficult fight so far, look no further than Khabib Nurmagomedov later invite 'Big News' to Dagestan.
“Thank you for the fight, Paul Hughes, and for the experience I invite you and your entire team and family for Dagestan, every time you want,” wrote Khabib on X, far away from the bitter rivalry Vechtweek.
“Believe me, you will like it, and your arrival will serve as a good example for many young generations,” continued the former UFC champion, with Hughes who accepted the invitation, on one condition.
'Thank you, Khabib. I have a lot of respect for you, your team and your nation, “Hughes wrote on X.
“I would be honored to ever take on this offer and then give you the favor in Ireland … But please, only after I can rematch Usman.”
Unfortunately it does not sound like Usman Nurmagomedov would like to rematch Paul Hughes and after the event De Bloedige Elleboog says that the Irishman should make his way back to title conflicts.
Hooker himself is planned to fight Justin Gaethje in the Co-Main event of UFC 313 in a five-round fight that could determine the next title challenger for Islam Makhachev.
Related topics
Comments