UFC News & FeaturesKhabib Nurmagomedov Believes Dustin Poirier Will Be UFC Champ By End of 2021
Khabib
Nurmagomedov recently had high praise for newly-crowned UFC
lightweight champion Charles
Oliveira.
“Charles Oliveira is a very worthy champion. Many finishes, many records in the UFC,” Nurmagomedov said at a press conference in Russia. “It would be a shame if Michael Chandler [had] won. Two fights and already a champion in the UFC? Somehow that would be wrong.”
However, Nurmagomedov expects Oliveira will relinquish his crown by the end of the year. Ultimately, “The Eagle” believes training partner Islam Makhachev will ascend to the top of the division, but in 2021, Nurmagomedov anticipates that Dustin Poirier will emerge as champion by year’s end. Poirier is slated to face Conor McGregor in a trilogy bout at UFC 264.
"When Islam Makhachev reaches the top of the rankings, Charles do Bronx wont be the champion anyomore. I hope Charles understands my words. I really respect him, he deserves that belt, but when Makachev time has come, I believe Dustin will be the champion and it will happen this year,” Nurmagomedov said.
“Charles Oliveira is a very worthy champion. Many finishes, many records in the UFC,” Nurmagomedov said at a press conference in Russia. “It would be a shame if Michael Chandler [had] won. Two fights and already a champion in the UFC? Somehow that would be wrong.”
However, Nurmagomedov expects Oliveira will relinquish his crown by the end of the year. Ultimately, “The Eagle” believes training partner Islam Makhachev will ascend to the top of the division, but in 2021, Nurmagomedov anticipates that Dustin Poirier will emerge as champion by year’s end. Poirier is slated to face Conor McGregor in a trilogy bout at UFC 264.
"When Islam Makhachev reaches the top of the rankings, Charles do Bronx wont be the champion anyomore. I hope Charles understands my words. I really respect him, he deserves that belt, but when Makachev time has come, I believe Dustin will be the champion and it will happen this year,” Nurmagomedov said.
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