Khabib Nurmagomedov tald about the preparation for the title fight, the phenomenon of its popularity and the chances of the leading fight organization to host a tournament in Russia.
One of the most recognizable Russian athletes, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is close to becoming the first representative of the Russian Federation to win the title of the champion of the most prestigious fighting promotion UFC. On April 7 he will fight the American Tony Ferguson for the belt. The contract for the battle has already been signed. A soldier of mixed martial arts spoke about his attitude to his own popularity, his dislike for the future opponent, the financial phenomenon of Conor McGregor and the prospects for the first ever UFC tournament in Russia.
- Recently you went to Bishkek. The meeting was attended by more than 10 thousand fans, many of whom now and then tried to break through to you. Does it give you pleasant emotions or is it a bit annoying?
- Emotions differs. I can not enjoy my popularity. Of course, there is a feeling of joy that the work isn't done in vain, but it is also worrying. I like to move around freely so that I will not be bothered, but apparently I must already accept that any of my appearances are accompanied by vanity somewhere. To be honest, I did not expect so many people to gather in Bishkek. Everything was organized at the highest level. The only thing - I would like to apologize for not being able to take pictures with everyone (laughs).
- Were there a lot of people?
- I was photographed without stopping! I was even woken up by the guards in the morning, asked to be photographed - they say, then there will be no time.
- Before the fight in Bishkek, you defeated Edson Barbosa and in the intervals between rounds talked with Dana White. During the fight with Michael Johnson you did the same. Has this already become a tradition?
- Probably emotions.
- Are you on friendly terms with him?
He sees me as I am. I think we have good relationships. For example, after a fight with Barbosa he called me, invited me to a basketball game between Philadelphia and Boston. We sat in the front row, I like this kind of attention. When I was injured, he was interested in my health, paid for the surgery.
- Before the battle with Barbosa you had more than a one-year layoff, but the American public welcomed you more actively than him. Where does this point from the fans in the US come from?
- I do not know, it's hard to explain. I went to the arena, saw a huge number of people in the hall, many supported me both before and after the fight. To be honest, this kind of reception motivates me. It all fell down so... I do not know what it will lead to - the process is uncontrollable, I'm not used to this. I hope everything is for the best.
- There is a feeling that of all the Russian fighters in UFC, you are the only one who understood how to work with the public to become popular in America...
- I would say many fighters understand this. In my case, I think this is due to the fact that I continue to win. You can work well with the audience, but at the same time you may lose. So, probably, the combination of all factors plays a role here.
- It is known that in the US they watch with great interest fighters who actively manifest themselves outside the cage...
- Yes, of course, but I do not practice thrashtalking. I just say what I think.
For example, when I express the desire to "break the opponent's face", so it really is. The opponent goes for the same purpose. I do not think this is something bad.
Call me any of my opponents - I maintain good relations with everyone. There are two fighters (Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson), which I dislike as individuals. There thrashtalking is not only in words, but also in deeds. I do not like these people, and I will do everything to defeat them.
- You will face Tony Ferguson on April 7th. Can you compare your relationship with the attitude of famous John Jones and Daniel Cormier?
- No, I would not draw a parallel. Almost, but not exactly. Unlike Cormier, I'm not going to lose to Ferguson (laughs).
- The fight with Tony Ferguson has been postponed three times already. You did not have time to lose weight?
- For me it's interesting. In fight with him I will go out to death. I have no other choice. This fight will show which of us is the best.
- Will he be able to do you something that other rivals could not?
- Of course, there is no underestimation, but when I grab his thin model waist, he can hardly do anything. Many say that he is good at the stans, he has dangerous elbows and so on.
But I can also demonstrate many things that no one else has seen. This makes our confrontation interesting.
I myself can not wait for it. I'll try to start trainings as soon as possible, achieve the desired weight and, as they say, smear it.
- When do you begin a full-fledged training?
- On February 8 I fly to the USA in the training camp.
- Then, probably, would you like to meet Conor McGregor?
- Since he was stripped of the championship belt, there is no need for this. If he has a belt, I will beat him.
- It is believed that you and Tony Ferguson outperform Conor McGregor in fighting skills. Do you agree?
Conor is a good fighter, he just needs to fight more. I was also criticized by the fans - they say, I do not often go out into the octagon. I broke down, tore ligaments, back, arm, broken ribs... What was not me. Over the past three years, I had five serious operations, but I returned to stay active. And what does Conor do? He's healthy, but he's not fighting.
- Nevertheless, he remains the highest paid MMA fighter...
- Here the financial moment plays an important role. This is the most expensive fighter, he bears UFC golden eggs, so he is so protected. But Tony and I are not the last people in the organization. UFC said that our fight (if not taken into account McGregor) are the most waiting for. Such a statement did not appear from scratch. This is based on the numbers, ratings and opinions of the fans.
- Do you know anything about the intentions of UFC to host a tournament in Russia in 2018?
- UFC wants to come to Russia very much and does everything possible for this. They want even to make special conditions for paid broadcasts, which will be available to the public.
Chances that the UFC will be in our country in September - 50 to 50. It will be clear in the summer.
I think that everything will turn out well, but most likely I will not fight there myself. UFC is interested in me performing at numbered tournaments in the US.
- Is it true that Ziyavudin Magomedov bought a stake in UFC?
- Everything can be. I do not know the details, but it seems so far negotiations are going on, there are no agreements.
- You said that UFC is unlikely to put you on a tournament in Russia. Earlier, your father Abdulmanap said that in your native country you can conduct a fight for free. Is this arrangement real?
If this is my father's wish, then of course. Why not?
