Speaking with Yahoo Sports recently, Cormier discussed Khabib’s upcoming title defense against Gaethje, calling it the most difficult fight of Nurmagomedov’s career.
“I think he’s going to fight his toughest opponent,” Cormier said. “I think the vast majority of the world feels as though this is the toughest guy for him at 155 [pounds]. I think he’ll be okay. His ability to train and prepare for this and continue to work toward the goal that him and his father had together will allow for him to maybe come to terms with everything that’s happening around him.”
The fight will be difficult not only because of the physical challenges Gaethje presents, but also because of the mental ones facing Khabib in the lead up to this fight. The lightweight champion’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, recently passed away from complications due to COVID-19. It was a stunning blow to the world of mixed martial arts and one that had some people question if Khabib might retire as a result. Instead, Nurmagomedov is choosing to get right back into the business of fighting, and Cormier says that it may be the best way for him to deal with the death of his father.
“Sometimes you need distraction and you need motivation in different forms,” Cormier said. “I think Khabib will use [his father’s death] as motivation. He’s a professional. He’s a pro’s pro and he’s going to prepare himself to the best of his ability.
“Javier Mendez (American Kickboxing Academy head coach) is gonna corner me and do my fight and then, a month later, he’s going to head out to Russia and spend the last two months of Khabib’s training camp with him. The team will prepare him to the best of his ability, but he’ll also be around his family who loves him, and now he’ll see Javier from here, another familiar face who will help him to get through a difficult time as he prepares to defend his title again.”
The change in training will not be the only difference for this title fight though. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this lightweight title fight will take place in an empty arena. It will be the first time Khabib has fought without fans present and that also could mean Cormier won’t be there for the bout either. ‘DC’ has not cornered anyone in some time and won’t be making the trip to Dagestan to help Khabib prepare, so the only way he could be present for the bout is if he were to call the event, which Cormier generally does not do. Still, Cormier hopes he can be there to support Khabib for his toughest test.
“I usually don’t call Khabib’s fights because it’s too difficult,” Cormier said. “I’m too invested in him as a friend but when he steps into the octagon, I would love to be in the arena in some form or fashion, to support my friend. I think that’s very important. He’s our champion. He’s AKA’s only champion right now and we hold him high and want to support him as much as we can.”
Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje will take place at UFC 254 on Oct. 24. The location has yet to be determined.
[h=1]MUST-READ STORIES[/h] Contender Series. All 5 winners earn UFC contracts at DWCS Season 4: Week 2.
Carnage. Justin Gaethje plans to create ‘zone of death’ for Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254.
Introspection. Daniel Cormier: ‘Nobody has the ability to train and fight forever, and I know it’.
Coaching. Ben Askren reveals the one thing he would do differently when looking back at his career.
Out. Yoel Romero out of co-headliner vs. Uriah Hall at Aug. 22 UFC event.
COVID-19. Ion Cutelaba positive for COVID-19, UFC 252 rematch with Magomed Ankalaev off.
[h=1]VIDEO STEW[/h] Between the Links, this week competing for a fake belt.
Embedded 2.
Breaking down the wrestling of Daniel Cormier.
A great story about Matt Lindland, whether it’s true or not.
[h=1]LISTEN UP[/h] The Bash. Interviews with Javier Mendez, Mason Jones, and Ian Garry.
UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Junior dos Santos and Jim Miller.
[h=1]SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE[/h] Aljo doing what it takes to get the title shot.
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Ok @danawhite, now Long Island ready for title! “Send me location.” ? • #NewHairWhoDis? ??? #FunkGotNext #Hairstyles #IThinkILookGreat #PaprYan #UncrownedChamp #LongIsland #Vegas #ESPN
A post shared by Aljamain Sterling (@funkmastermma) on Aug 11, 2020 at 11:54am PDT
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Announcing 18/8/2020...be ready!!
A post shared by Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) on Aug 11, 2020 at 7:39pm PDT
Hey @PetrYanUFC how’s December? I can sign for you to get your visa. Lmk bro!
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 11, 2020
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 11, 2020
Focus on your fight this weekend https://t.co/jr5MhFS5SA
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) August 11, 2020
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) August 11, 2020
Idk, I kinda like the new look
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 11, 2020
Good people.— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 11, 2020
For Our next initiative we will be teaming up with @SabahHomasi in efforts to help out those affected by the explosion on Aug 4th in Beirut, Lebanon.
https://t.co/YV9cTywPHx for campaign link
“FIGHT FOR LEBANON”
— The Good Fight Foundation (@TheGoodFightFDN) August 11, 2020
OKay, that’s a pretty good one from Henry.https://t.co/YV9cTywPHx for campaign link
“FIGHT FOR LEBANON”
— The Good Fight Foundation (@TheGoodFightFDN) August 11, 2020
I’d rather get a gift since you got one w/ your fight against Holloway. I’ve seen better Decisions on 90 Day Fiance @danawhite https://t.co/qK3TDjJJVV
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) August 11, 2020
Ben still trying.— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) August 11, 2020
Hey @LoganPaul my guess it will take me 36 seconds to pin you, won’t need the full minute.
— Funky (@Benaskren) August 12, 2020
Beef.— Funky (@Benaskren) August 12, 2020
Man - I can’t wait to break your face @JohnMakdessi patience. @AliAbdelaziz00 @seanshelby https://t.co/KZyg1FB7PA
— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) August 11, 2020
— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) August 11, 2020
Don’t over eat now . We all know you were a insecure fat kid. And don’t pull out pic.twitter.com/SDcYooq92p
— John Wayne Makdessi (@JohnMakdessi) August 11, 2020
— John Wayne Makdessi (@JohnMakdessi) August 11, 2020
Nooo Brother I stay ready to break your skull. Let’s see if you back up your words and sign the contract
— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) August 11, 2020
— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) August 11, 2020
— John Wayne Makdessi (@JohnMakdessi) August 11, 2020
My man, You’re not even at my level. Let me remind you, who’s the one that is a rat and keeps talking trash. You need me more than I need you. #punk
— John Wayne Makdessi (@JohnMakdessi) August 11, 2020
— John Wayne Makdessi (@JohnMakdessi) August 11, 2020
Better we try to book this fight ASAP or you gonna chicken out
— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) August 12, 2020
What do you know, a good UFC fight poster!— Nasrat Haqparast (@Nasrat_mma) August 12, 2020
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Who leaves as the Baddest Man on the Planet? [ : @Arnokiss ]
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[h=1]FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS[/h] Weber Almeida (3-0) vs. Salim Mukhidinov (7-4); Bellator 244, Aug. 21.
Maki Pitolo (13-6) vs. Impa Kasanganay (7-0); UFC Fight Night, Aug. 22.
Timur Valiev (16-2) vs. Mark Striegl (18-2); UFC Fight Night, Aug. 22.
Roosevelt Roberts (10-2) vs. Matt Frevola (8-1-1); UFC Fight Night, Sep. 12.
[h=1]FINAL THOUGHTS[/h] Man, that Justin Gaethje quote is one of the most badass things ever said in this sport. I’m getting hype for that fight.
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
[h=1]EXIT POLL[/h]
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram, add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting, and like us on Facebook.
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