Latest news with #Dagestani
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Khabib Nurmagomedov Points to Jack Della Maddalena's Size Advantage Over Islam Makhachev Amid UFC Rule Change Push
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 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!
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
'Bullet' Magomedov out to hunt for 'Powerbar' Barriault
20 July 2025 23:08 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI) Dagestani middleweight Sharaptudin "Bullet" Magomedov is aiming for a high-octane return to the Octagon when he faces Marc-André "Powerbar" Barriault at UFC Fight Night on July 26 in Abu Dhabi, pledging a refined and focused performance in the middleweight category following his first UFC loss to Michael Page in a 4-1 UFC record, Magomedov built a reputation for wild, crowd-pleasing fights, securing three 'Fight of the Night' bonuses before the setback against Page, nicknamed Venom, earlier this year. The one-eyed Magomedov, affectionately called Sharo, will be the fan favourite in the other middleweight bout on a card headlined by former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and Dutch standout Reinier de Ridder, who has made an impressive transition from the ONE Championship. The No.12-ranked De Ridder, undefeated in his three UFC bouts to date, could earn a division title eliminator should he defeat Whittaker. The UFC promotion is touting this weekend to go down in the global calendar as one of their expected top three most thrilling Fight Night cards of the the 30-year-old Magomedov, speaking ahead of the bout through an interpreter to Aletihad at the UFC Gym in Al Maqta Mall, said he is now taking his career more seriously and is determined to showcase a more complete version of his striking-heavy arsenal."Until now, in my bouts, I tried to show off every round. Now it is more about technique. I want the world to see my full arsenal," said Magomedov. The flamboyant striker admitted the loss to Page was a wake-up call. "Before, it was like a hobby. Now I want to show my professional side to the fans. I'm serious – for my health, for my team, for my training."There had been some speculation that the timing of the defeat - which followed a widely publicised meeting with football star Cristiano Ronaldo - may have caused distraction. Yet, Magomedov dismissed that idea but admitted physical limitations played a role in the loss."Ronaldo gave me motivation, he said to Telecom Asia Sport. "But my body was not ready, I was not completely healthy for that fight. Afterwards, Ronaldo called and told me not to worry – that it's just one loss, and to focus on the next fight. It gave me confidence again."Magomedov's opponent, Barriault, enters the Abu Dhabi clash following a win over Bruno Silva – the same fighter Magomedov knocked out on his UFC debut five bouts ago."I finished Bruno Silva with a knockout. Marc-André won after me when Bruno's career was going down. But Marc is strong – there are no weak opponents in UFC," he said. "He is like a firefighter, relentless, always going forward. But I am ready. I have an answer for every situation." Magomedov lost one eye in an injury early in his mixed martial arts career. Even then, his aggressive and unpredictable striking often stood in contrast with the dominant grappling style associated with Dagestani fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov. Incidentally, Magomedov has carved a path of his own after he could not join the famed academy of Khabib's father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in his early years because he did not want to shave his head in training as the coach wanted to. Magomedov has acknowledged the stylistic divide but said he remains respectful of the former champion, who is now based in Dubai and remains a towering figure in the region's MMA landscape. "I respect Khabib very much. I have met him and listened to what he tells me. He is a great guy for all of us from Dagestan. He is more of a wrestler, I am a striker – so we have different styles. But when we meet, if he gives me any advice, I try to follow it."With UFC returning to the Middle East, Magomedov has promised fireworks – and perhaps another Fight of the Night – as he looks to reestablish himself as a force in the 84-kilogramme division. "This time, I am serious. So God help me – I will show all my arsenal."
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Why RIZIN's flyweight world grand prix lineup is sending shockwaves through MMA
Why RIZIN's flyweight world grand prix lineup is sending shockwaves through MMA (Image Source: Getty Images) The announcement of RIZIN Fighting Federation of their flyweight world grand prix has generated massive hype within the mixed martial arts live, with the Japanese promotion inviting a superstar 10-fighter field that will go toe-to-toe when the tournament commences on July 27, 2025, at Super RIZIN 4 on Saitama Super Arena. The exit of a previous champ, Kyoji Horiguchi, has given way to a fresh start to the 125-pound division, and the lineup uniting the competitors is one of the most competitive flyweight tournaments in recent history. Veterans bring championship pedigree to stacked tournament field The validity of this tournament lies in the quality of known fighters who are ready to fight the empty crown. Hiromasa Ougikubo is 38 years old and has experience beyond compare, having already won a RIZIN tournament by defeating bantamweights Naoki Inoue and Kai Asakura in the same tournament in December 2021. His win over future Ultimate Fighting Championship winner Alexandre Pantoja in The Ultimate Fighter in 2016 proves that he can fight against the best. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo In the meantime, Jose Torres enters as a former Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and former champion in Brave Combat Federation and Titan Fighting Championship with international credentials on his resume despite his recent struggles as a member of Brave. The presence of Makoto Shinryu makes it even more intriguing, as the grizzled veteran has already fought Horiguchi twice in an attempt to win the belt, and lost both times by submission after a prior eye-poke no-contest situation. The fact that he has already experienced the competition of the championship scale and that he has a 5-3 RIZIN record is what makes him a serious contender to take the vacant throne. Rising stars and international flavor create global appeal A presence of veterans is not the only thing that will make the tournament globally appealing; undefeated Dagestani prospect Alibek Gadzhammatov is part of the next generation of flyweight talent. The 5-0 record of the 23-year-old, which includes a knockout win over Daichi Kitakata in his November 2024 RIZIN debut, reflects the finishing power that has earned the fighter the nickname of fan-favorite. The fact that he cannot make a decision when it comes to being a professional fighter will bring a sense of uncertainty that may upset the bracket. Nkazimulo Zulu represents the Africans as a former two-division champion of Extreme Fighting Championship with an 87 percent finishing rate and an equal number of knockouts (seven) and submissions. His title decision loss to Horiguchi on New Year's Eve showed that he is at that level of the best and Takaki Soya just defeated former Ultimate Fighting Championship title challenger John Dodson by a unanimous decision at RIZIN Otoko Matsuri on May 4, and that is just to show the strength of the tournament. Also Read: Why Sean O'Malley is relieved Ilia Topuria ignored his callout after UFC 317 knockout RIZIN Fighting Federation's flyweight world grand prix represents more than just a tournament—it's a statement that the Japanese promotion remains committed to showcasing world-class talent across all weight divisions, ensuring the flyweight championship will be held by a truly deserving competitor. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Five fights Dana White can make for Ilia Topuria after epic UFC 317 KO, including Paddy Pimblett grudge match
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ILIA TOPURIA is the new king of the UFC's lightweight division. The Georgian-born Spaniard became only the TENTH fighter in the history of MMA's premier promotion to hold titles in two weight classes last weekend in the main event of UFC 317 in Las Vegas. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to claim the vacant lightweight title Credit: REUTERS 8 The Georgian-born Spaniard became a two-weight world champion with victory over Oliveira Credit: REUTERS 8 The world is Topuria's oyster following his historic victory Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 'El Matador' claimed the vacant lightweight title with a blistering first-round KO of former champion Charles Oliveira in front of a sold-out crowd at the T-Mobile Arena. Attention has already turned to who the 28-year-old will fight in his maiden defence of the 155lbs throne, which he'll no doubt be hoping will take place in his adopted homeland of Spain. And SunSport is on hand with five fighters the new fan favourite could face in his next outing. Paddy Pimblett Given their long-standing beef, which stemmed from social media comments Pimblett made about Georgians, this fight is an absolute no-brainer. The pair are currently the two biggest names in the stacked division, so pitting them together, especially when they're both in red-hot form, makes sense. The build-up to this one would be box office, especially after their blockbuster post-fight face-off and near-brawl. UFC supremo Dana White has, however, already revealed he's not keen on pitting the pair against one another next. But the demand for this fight, the biggest the promotion can make at the moment in time, is white hot. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 8 Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett had a heated face-off inside the octagon Credit: GETTY So the UFC would be foolish not to capitalise while the iron is hot and book this long overdue clash of stars. Islam Makhachev Watch jacked Ilia Topuria complete epic UFC 317 body transformation after ditching crash diet to lose over 40lbs Topuria, of course, moved up from featherweight in February to pursue a champion-versus-champion with pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev. Makhchev, as we all know, ended up begrudgingly vacating the 155lbs belt to pursue welterweight gold once former training partner Belal Muhammad lost the belt to Jack Della Maddalena. The Dagestani destroyer is understood to harbour ambitions of reclaiming the belt he won in October 2022. It would make for a fantastic storyline if Makhachev were to win gold at 170lbs and drop back down to 155lbs to try to reclaim what was once his in a super-fight fans are still pining for. 8 Arman Tsarukyan The Armenian, of course, was set to challenge Makhachev for the belt in January before a freak back injury less than 48 hours before fight night scuppered the bout. Tsarukyan, who is on a four-fight win streak, weighed in as the backup fighter for the main event. So it would make sense for him to be in the running to be Topuria's first opponent for his reign as king of the lightweights. 8 Arman Tsarukyan weighed in as the backup fighter for UFC 317's main event so is in the title mix Credit: GETTY Justin Gaethje He may only be riding a one-fight win streak, and just over a year removed from a brutal KO at the hands of Max Holloway, but there is a case for Gaethje getting the title shot. He did the UFC brass a favour by agreeing to defend the BMF belt against Holloway at UFC 300 following back-to-back wins of Rafael Fiziev and Dustin Poirier. The promotion threw a boatload of cash at Gaethje in order to jazz up their tri-centennial card and his decision to take the fight cost him dearly. Doing him a solid and giving him a third crack at undisputed lightweight gold at Topuria is the least the UFC could do. 8 Justin Gaethje is holding out for a tite shot and will retire if he doesn't get one Credit: GETTY Max Holloway Although Topuria became the first man to crack Holloway's chin in his first and final featherweight title defence, there is still some interest in a rematch between the pair. Holloway cut a drained figure in their fight as he was returning to the weight class having filled out his frame to face Gaethje in their BMF bout at UFC 300. The weight cut could've played a role in his chin finally giving out, although Topuria does carry insane power in both hands. Either way, should Holloway win his trilogy fight with Poirier next month in emphatic fashion, the appetite for a rematch will likely be there.
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Five fights Dana White can make for Ilia Topuria after epic UFC 317 KO, including Paddy Pimblett grudge match
ILIA TOPURIA is the new king of the UFC's lightweight division. The Georgian-born Spaniard became only the TENTH fighter in the history of MMA's premier promotion to hold titles in two weight classes last weekend in the main event of UFC 317 in Las Vegas . 8 Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to claim the vacant lightweight title Credit: REUTERS 8 The Georgian-born Spaniard became a two-weight world champion with victory over Oliveira Credit: REUTERS 8 The world is Topuria's oyster following his historic victory Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 'El Matador' claimed the vacant lightweight title with a blistering first-round KO of former champion Attention has already turned to who the 28-year-old will fight in his maiden defence of the 155lbs throne, which he'll no doubt be hoping will take place in his adopted homeland of Spain. And SunSport is on hand with five fighters the new fan favourite could face in his next outing. Paddy Pimblett Given their long-standing beef, which stemmed from social media comments Pimblett made about Georgians, this fight is an absolute no-brainer. The pair are currently the two biggest names in the stacked division, so pitting them together, especially when they're both in red-hot form, makes sense. The build-up to this one would be box office, especially after their UFC supremo Dana White has, however, already revealed he's not keen on pitting the pair against one another next . But the demand for this fight, the biggest the promotion can make at the moment in time, is white hot. Most read in MMA JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 8 Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett had a heated face-off inside the octagon Credit: GETTY So the UFC would be foolish not to capitalise while the iron is hot and book this long overdue clash of stars. Islam Makhachev Watch jacked Ilia Topuria complete epic UFC 317 body transformation after ditching crash diet to lose over 40lbs Topuria, of course, moved up from featherweight in February to pursue a champion-versus-champion with pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev. Makhchev, as we all know, ended up begrudgingly vacating the 155lbs belt to pursue welterweight gold once former training partner Belal Muhammad lost the belt to Jack Della Maddalena. The Dagestani destroyer is understood to harbour ambitions of reclaiming the belt he won in October 2022. It would make for a fantastic storyline if Makhachev were to win gold at 170lbs and drop back down to 155lbs to try to reclaim what was once his in a super-fight fans are still pining for. 8 Arman Tsarukyan The Armenian, of course, was set to challenge Makhachev for the belt in January before a freak back injury less than 48 hours before fight night scuppered the bout. Tsarukyan, who is on a four-fight win streak, weighed in as the backup fighter for the main event. So it would make sense for him to be in the running to be Topuria's first opponent for his reign as king of the lightweights. 8 Arman Tsarukyan weighed in as the backup fighter for UFC 317's main event so is in the title mix Credit: GETTY Justin Gaethje He may only be riding a one-fight win streak, and just over a year removed from a brutal KO at the hands of Max Holloway, but there is a case for Gaethje getting the title shot. He did the UFC brass a favour by agreeing to defend the BMF belt against Holloway at UFC 300 following back-to-back wins of Rafael Fiziev and The promotion threw a boatload of cash at Gaethje in order to jazz up their tri-centennial card and his decision to take the fight cost him dearly. Doing him a solid and giving him a third crack at undisputed lightweight gold at Topuria is the least the UFC could do. 8 Justin Gaethje is holding out for a tite shot and will retire if he doesn't get one Credit: GETTY Max Holloway Although Topuria became the first man to crack Holloway's chin in his first and final featherweight title defence, there is still some interest in a rematch between the pair. Holloway cut a drained figure in their fight as he was returning to the weight class having filled out his frame to face Gaethje in their BMF bout at UFC 300. Read more on the Irish Sun The weight cut could've played a role in his chin finally giving out, although Topuria does carry insane power in both hands. Either way, should Holloway win his trilogy fight with Poirier next month in emphatic fashion, the appetite for a rematch will likely be there. 8 A rematch with Max Holloway could potentially happen down the line for Ilia Topuria Credit: GETTY
