logo
Khabib Nurmagomedov Points to Jack Della Maddalena's Size Advantage Over Islam Makhachev Amid UFC Rule Change Push

Khabib Nurmagomedov Points to Jack Della Maddalena's Size Advantage Over Islam Makhachev Amid UFC Rule Change Push

Time of India2 days ago
Images via Imagn: Islam Makhachev, Jack Della Maddalena and Khabib Nurmagomedov
With Ilia Topuria winning the UFC's 155-pound crown and Islam Makhachev slated to fight for the welterweight title later this year, the future of the promotion is certainly looking bright.
However, many fans were dismayed at the fact that they didn't get to see the two best fighters in the promotion settle their feud inside the Octagon.
Moreover, experts even cited that the Dagestani would make easy work of fighters at 170lbs, which included the reigning champion, Jack Della Maddalena. However, UFC Hall of Famer and Makhachev's mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has other thoughts.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Believes Jack Della Maddalena to Be the Toughest Challenge of Islam Makhachev's Career
In a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev on the Hustle Show, Nurmagomedov said that JDM would be a much tougher opponent for Makhachev than Topuria.
'I think Maddalena is the toughest opponent in Islam's career. That's my opinion, not Charles, no one else. None of those other fighters. Not even Ilia, if that fight were to happen. That's just my personal opinion.'
The Hall of Famer cited JDM's size and strength as the reason for his analysis and added, 'First of all, Maddalena is twice the size of Ilia. Taller, bigger, stronger legs, bigger frame. His boxing is just as good.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
20 Things You Should Stop Wearing After 40
TheSeniorMag.com
Undo
And, in grappling, he scrambles really well if you've watched him. For me, if I was preparing Islam for either Ilia or Maddalena, I'd be more concerned about Maddalena (than Ilia).'
With Dana White announcing the headliners for UFC 320 and UFC 321, it is possible that JDM and Makhachev would slug it out for the 170-pound gold at UFC 322 in November at Madison Square Garden.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Suggests a Big Change in the Current UFC Fight Rule Book
The UFC's standard rules in 2025 still follow the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, first introduced back in 2001.
These rules were brought in to help legitimize the sport, moving it away from its early reputation as "human cockfighting" during the late 1990s. With the new framework came time limits, judges, weight classes, and the 10-point must scoring system, all aimed at making MMA more professional and mainstream.
However, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now suggesting some major changes to these long-standing rules. He now mentors top talents like Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov, guiding them toward championship success.
With his wealth of experience, Khabib believes it's time for a rule overhaul.
In the same interview with Zubayraev, Khabib shared a bold idea: 'I'd change the rules. Like, you step into the Octagon – regular fights are 15 minutes, title fights are 25, right? I'd say no rounds. No rounds at all. I always wondered – what's the point of rounds? What's the point of it all? It's for entertainment, they pause for ads and all of that.'
The UFC Hall of Famer believes the current round-based format prioritizes business and television over the purity of sport. He argued that eliminating rounds would make fights more authentic and less driven by commercial breaks.
'I get it – it's for business. But if we're talking sport, I'd get rid of rounds, no rounds at all. They just step in – that's it. There should be rules, no strikes to the back of the head, no groin strikes, that sort of thing, yeah, but I'd still get rid of rounds.'
Also read:
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren shares emotional ride-home message after surviving complex lung surgery
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

IND vs ENG 4th Test: 'Sent from the heavens just to play' - Ravi Shastri recalls the last time an Indian scored a century at Old Trafford
IND vs ENG 4th Test: 'Sent from the heavens just to play' - Ravi Shastri recalls the last time an Indian scored a century at Old Trafford

Time of India

time37 minutes ago

  • Time of India

IND vs ENG 4th Test: 'Sent from the heavens just to play' - Ravi Shastri recalls the last time an Indian scored a century at Old Trafford

Sachin Tendulkar raises his bat after finishing 119* at the end of day 5 of the 2nd Test match between England and India at Old Trafford in 1990 (Photo by Ben Radford/Allsport/) As India continue their fight in a must-win match at Old Trafford in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, memories of one of the most iconic innings in cricket history resurfaced. The historic moment came in 1990 when a 17-year-old Sachin Tendulkar scored his first-ever international century at the venue. This innings, scored under pressure, marked the beginning of a legendary career, and it continues to be celebrated by those who witnessed it. Ravi Shastri, speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, recalled Tendulkar's first Test century at Old Trafford, and the impact it had on everyone watching. Shastri was asked if he realised he was witnessing greatness when watching Tendulkar bat from the balcony. "I certainly did, because I'd seen him from my days with Mumbai cricket, you know," Shastri said. "I remember doing an interview for Wisden in the summer of '89, playing for Glamorgan, and there's a quote there where I've said: he's been sent from upstairs to just play cricket, entertain, and go upstairs whenever he wants after that. The reason I said it—because what we saw of him at 16 was unreal—and you saw glimpses of that in that innings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo " Shastri, who had first-hand experience with Tendulkar's skills, spoke about the balance, power, and purity of his technique that stood out even at such a young age. 'The balance, the power he had even at that age, and the simplicity and purity of his technique, which never changed right through his career," he said. "He tinkered very little with his technique... and the signature shot—the straight drive—never changed. He never had a problem against the short ball. A very pure player." Shardul Thakur opens up on being under bowled, gives inside details on Rishabh Pant The former India head coach's admiration for Tendulkar's game was echoed by England legend Michael Atherton, who also praised the Indian legend's unmatched consistency and versatility. "Most batters, obviously, are captained for a while in England, and you're looking at opposition players thinking: where's our little chink in the armour here? Where is he vulnerable? And with Sachin, it was very difficult," Atherton remarked. Atherton pointed out how Tendulkar had no weaknesses in his game, even when facing some of the toughest bowlers in world cricket. "He played Shane Warne absolutely brilliantly, he got hundreds in Perth—so pace, spin—no weaknesses," he said, highlighting Tendulkar's ability to excel against all forms of bowling. Poll Who do you think is the greatest Indian cricketer of all time? Sachin Tendulkar Kapil Dev Sourav Ganguly The 1990 Test at Old Trafford was a special one for Tendulkar, as he displayed remarkable maturity and talent. Set a daunting target of 408 with a little more than a day's play left, India were four down for 109 when Tendulkar walked out to bat. The teenager, however, composed a brilliant knock of 119* off 189 balls, helping India reach 343/6 and salvaging a draw. As India faces England in the current Test series, with a win crucial to stay alive in the contest, the team could certainly draw inspiration from Tendulkar's unforgettable century at Old Trafford in 1990. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

RCB's Yash Dayal in more trouble, case registered under POCSO Act for alleged rape of minor: Report
RCB's Yash Dayal in more trouble, case registered under POCSO Act for alleged rape of minor: Report

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

RCB's Yash Dayal in more trouble, case registered under POCSO Act for alleged rape of minor: Report

Royal Challengers Bengaluru ( RCB ) pacer Yash Dayal finds himself in more trouble as a second FIR has been filed against the cricketer, TOI reported. The latest FIR alleges that the Uttar Pradesh-based player sexually assaulted a 17-year-old from Jaipur in 2023. This comes only weeks after a rape complaint was filed against him in UP's Ghaziabad by a woman who accused him of "exploiting" her. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Healthcare Digital Marketing Finance Data Science MCA Artificial Intelligence Others healthcare CXO Technology others Management Product Management Operations Management MBA Design Thinking Public Policy Leadership Data Analytics Project Management PGDM Data Science Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details SHO Anil Kumar Jaiman of Sanganer Sadar police station confirmed the cricketer's identity based on the FIR registered on Wednesday under Section 64 of the new penal code BNS, which mandates a minimum jail term of 10 years, and relevant sections of the POCSO Act, the TOI report stated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo The complaint alleges that Dayal raped the then 17-year-old girl first in 2023 and once again in April this year in a hotel in Jaipur. "It is alleged that around two years ago, when the complainant was a minor, he raped her on multiple occasions after offering to help build her cricket career ," Jaiman told TOI. Live Events "This year, he contacted her again when he was in Jaipur on IPL duty, called her to his hotel and allegedly raped her there," he added. A case was registered immediately after the victim chose to report the multiple instances of alleged sexual assault . Investigators are working on the case, including steps to record her detailed statement, he said. The Allahabad High Court stayed Dayal's arrest in the Ghaziabad case on July 15, saying no coercive action should be taken against him till the next hearing. The FIR in that case was been filed on July 6 at Indirapuram police station, based on a complaint by the survivor to UP CM Yogi Adityanath through the state's integrated grievance redress system.

Xavi Hernandez applies for Indian football coach role, but job set to go to an Indian
Xavi Hernandez applies for Indian football coach role, but job set to go to an Indian

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

Xavi Hernandez applies for Indian football coach role, but job set to go to an Indian

Spain's World Cup-winning mid-field superstar Xavi Hernandez was among those who applied for the position of India's head coach, leaving the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) pleasantly surprised but also unable to process his application for reasons which had nothing to do with the game. Xavi, it is learnt, "sent an email from his own account" to apply for the post. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Product Management Leadership Project Management Degree Artificial Intelligence PGDM Management Cybersecurity Public Policy Others Technology Digital Marketing Data Science others Healthcare MBA MCA healthcare CXO Data Analytics Data Science Operations Management Design Thinking Finance Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Roadmapping User-Centric Product Design Agile Product Development Market Analysis & Product Launch Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Creating Effective Product Roadmap User Research & Translating it to Product Design Key Metrics via Product Analytics Hand-On Projects Using Cutting Edge Tools Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Product Management Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Product Strategy & Competitive Advantage Tactics Product Development Processes & Market Orientations Product Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making Agile Development, Design Thinking, & Product Leadership Duration: 40 Weeks IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Product Management Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details However, the AIFF could not go ahead with the processing of his application as the costs involved in recruiting one of the world's finest mid-fielders was way beyond the federation's means. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now "Yes, he (Xavi) applied for the job of the Indian senior men's team football head coach. He has himself mailed his application to the people in the technical committee, and it looks like he was very much interested in the job," a source in the AIFF told PTI on Friday. "However, those tasked with the responsibility of recommending the short-list of coaches to the executive committee for final approval federation know that it's difficult. Live Events "You understand that Xavi is one of the greatest mid-fielders of all time, people talk about Messi all the time but he along with (Andres) Iniesta are right up there as far as Barcelona is concerned. So, yes, it is what it is," he added. The experienced Anglo-Cypriot Stephen Constantine , Stefan Tarkovic of Slovakia and home-bred Khalid Jamil were among three candidates shortlisted on Wednesday by the technical committee of the AIFF. Out of the three, Jamil appears to be the frontrunner to replace Manolo Marquez, who quit earlier this month after a string of poor performances by the national team. The side's FIFA ranking has plummeted to 133, which is its lowest in nine years. The AIFF had invited applications for the top job on July 4 with July 13 as the deadline. It received 170 applications, which included big names like former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell. Before Xavi, Fowler and Kewell had thrown their hats into the ring for the position. Besides the World Cup triumph with Spain in 2010 and Euro title victories in 2008 and 2012, the 45-year-old Xavi has won five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and three UEFA Champions League trophies with FC Barcelona, including two continental trebles in 2008-09 and 2014-15. A product of the famed La Masia like his longtime illustrious FCB teammate Messi, Xavi's last coaching job was at FC Barcelona, where he was in charge from 2021 to 2024. Before that, the maestro was managing Qatari club Al Sadd from 2019-21. After his glorious 24-year stint at Barcelona, Xavi had also played for Al Sadd before being appointed the team's manager. He left Barcelona as a player in 2015 for Al Asadd, where he also won four trophies before retiring in 2019. As Barcelona manager, he led them to the 2023 Supercopa de Espana and the 2022-23 La Liga tile.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store