Latest news with #Dagestani
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Awkward moment UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov snubs Kate Abdo's handshake for religious reasons live on TV
THIS is the awkward moment UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov refused to shake the hand of CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo. Advertisement 3 Kate Abdo was involved in an awkward exchange with Khabib Nurmagomedov live on TV Credit: X @CBSSportsGolazo 3 Abdo was snubbed by a handshake from the UFC legend for religious reasons Credit: X @CBSSportsGolazo 3 Abdo was joined in show by usual suspects Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards. Credit: X/CBSSportsGolazo The match ended in a record-breaking defeat as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed The quartet was joined by special guests Nurmagomedov embraced each member of the crew before Abdo, 43, held out her hand in a greeting. However, the unbeaten UFC star declined the offer by holding his hand on his chest instead, with Abdo quickly reclining it and offering an apology as she welcomed him to the show. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The reason for this is due to the 36-year-old's religious beliefs as a devout Sunni Muslim. In Islam, it is a forbidden to touch a member of the opposite sex that they are not related to. A similar incident occurred back in 2020 with fellow MMA fighter Cynthia Calvillo, who revealed that Nurmagomedov refused to directly train with her. She explained to theScore: "It's a little bit weird because of their religion... they won't train with women. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "(Khabib) is still showing technique and stuff like that. So I still get to watch it. "But it doesn't bother me … because they're not really being directly rude to me." Kate Abdo 'subbed off' CBS Sports Champions League final coverage as new presenter leaves Micah Richards ecstatic Fans on social media praised Abdo's response to the awkward exchange with the Dagestani native. Advertisement One user said: "Mad respect to Kate for understanding afterwards and issuing an apology." Another said: "Massive respect to Kate for understanding Khabib's decision and not making a fuss of it in front of other pundits." A third added: "Love how Khabib respectfully declined Kate's handshake and she respected his approach. Love that from both of them." Once that hurdle was cleared, Abdo asked the retired UFC fighter who he was supporting tonight, revealing he was there in support of PSG - despite him previously describing himself as a Real Madrid fan. Advertisement In another crossover that nobody would have had on their Champions League bingo card, IShowSpeed was playfully confronted by Nurmagomedov about them possibly having a race or fight. Carragher, who hilariously tried resorting to cheating when he lost a race against Speed - real name Darren Hawkins - asked Nurmagomedov: "Do you think you could beat Speed in a fight or a race?" Nurmagomedov said he would be humble and conceded that Speed had the better of him in running, but declared he could easily outdo him in football IQ, before joking: "Don't forget, between us there is nobody right now." Abdo then suggested that Richards, ever the brunt of a few jokes on the show, was the "arm wrestling champion" of CBS. Advertisement However, before the presenter - who married boxer Malik Scott last year - could finish her sentence, the ex-England international said: "No thank you." Before the match itself, As Henry, Richards and Carragher groaned, Abdo pointed at Jones and added: "Look who's coming!" Carra shouted "Anita!" before screaming as footage showed Abdo's pals David Beckham and Tom Cruise hanging out the Allianz Arena. Advertisement Abdo then waved as she walked off set, adding: "Bye, bye, bye." Richards asked "Is it a substitution then?" - with Abdo pausing. The former Richards turned to Jones and bellowed: "Finally some real funny in the studio." Advertisement
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
UFC play-by-play commentator reveals major Octagon plans for former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad
Belal Muhammad and Jon Anik. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik made a big revelation as he opened up on former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad 's future move within the Octagon . While his reign in the welterweight division was put to an end by Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Muhammad aims at bouncing back and climbing the ladder once again to reach the top of the division. After the devastating loss, the fighter will now face the undefeated fighter of the division, Shavkat Rakhmonov, in order to restart the journey of securing the belt once again. Belal Muhammad is rumored to face the undisputed UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov, plans to conquer the title once again Weeks removed from the devastating loss faced by Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 via a unanimous decision, rumors have started resurfacing about a possible bout between the former welterweight and Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated fighter with a pro-MMA record of 19-0-0. After winning the belt at UFC 304 against Leon Edwards, Muhammad was initially supposed to defend the belt against Rakhmonov at UFC 310. However, due to an unexpected bone infection on his foot, Muhammad had to withdraw from the fight. While fans remained excited for a bout between the two fighters upon Muhammad's return, they instead met with a surprise when the fighter was paired up against Jack Della Maddalena in UFC 315. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo With the fight being over now and Muhammad losing his belt, fans speculated about a possible opponent for his next bout. Muhammad's loss made it convenient for former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to vacate his belt and move up the weight division. The Dagestani fighter will be facing Della Maddalena for a title run towards the end of this year. Since both Makhachev and Muhammad dismissed the possibility of facing each other, the latter will now be focusing on other top contenders in the division in order to secure a title run later. Fueling the fan speculation and the hope to see Muhammad and Rakhmonov go against each other finally after months of withdrawals and delays, UFC commentator Jon Anik, in a recent episode of the Anik and Florian podcast, revealed the next opponent for Muhammad's quest. Anik stated, 'We will see what Shavkat Rakhmonov has for him in October. Belal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov in October. There's your breaking news.' Also read: Belal Muhammad breaks silence on shocking circumstances behind UFC 315 title loss - 'I am going to live with that' It seems the UFC 315 setback was nothing but just a minor inconvenience for Belal Muhammad's journey as a pro MMA fighter. The former welterweight looks forward to kickstarting his title run once again and if what Anik said is legit, fans can expect an announcement shortly from the UFC. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Economic Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
'Sit back and watch, uncle Chael': Makhachev responds as Sonnen accuses him of running from a real fight
Chael Sonnen has publicly criticized Islam Makhachev's decision to vacate his lightweight title and move up to the welterweight division. Sonnen accused Makhachev of avoiding a fight with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, suggesting that the Dagestani fighter is sidestepping a highly anticipated bout. (Image: UFC) Former UFC fighter and current MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has once again stirred the pot, this time aiming UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The outspoken commentator who criticized Makhachev for choosing to leave the 155-pound division to fight at welterweight, accusing him of dodging a potential super-fight with featherweight king Ilia Topuria. 'He did everything he could to not fight Topuria… even abandoning the division and his championship belt. That says it all,' Sonnen said in a video on his YouTube channel, where he often gives blunt takes on MMA news. Sonnen, who never lets any punch go unanswered, made these comments after the UFC confirmed that Makhachev would not defend his lightweight belt. Instead, he's moving up to face rising star Jack Della Maddalena at welterweight later this year. With that move, the UFC has declared the lightweight belt vacant. The now-vacant title will be contested at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, where Ilia Topuria will face former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira. Many fans had hoped to see a champion vs champion clash between Topuria and Makhachev, but those plans are off the table, at least for now. Makhachev was quick to respond to Sonnen's criticism on social media. In a pointed tweet, he said: 'Chasing fame and money is not the same as chasing greatness in sport. But the average athlete, who talked his way to the top, won't understand that. So please, sit back and watch how it's done, Uncle Chael. Double champ.' The heated back-and-forth has added drama to an already shifting UFC landscape. Makhachev has long been seen as a dominant force in the lightweight division, and his move to welterweight could open doors to historic accomplishments, but also a protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, holds a 14-fight win streak in the UFC. His decision to move up in weight follows years of dominance, with notable wins over Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Alexander critics like Sonnen argue that legacy isn't built by avoiding top contenders. Whether Makhachev proves them wrong in the welterweight division remains to be seen. For now, UFC fans are left with two burning questions: Can Makhachev become a double champ? Is Islam Makhachev avoiding a fight with Ilia Topuria in the lightweight division?
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'You don't have no legacy' - UFC fans troll Chael Sonnen as the war of words gets intense between Islam Makhachev and the American promoter
Chael Sonnen (photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty) and Islam Makhachev (photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) Islam Makhachev's move up across the weight division might not have received the desired unanimous support, with the American podcaster Chael Sonnen disregarding the fighter's step in the recent Good Guy/Bad Guy episode. While his podcast partner Daniel Cormier jumped in to defend the Dagestani fighter, Makhachev recently issued a statement while lashing out at Chael's opinion. Makhachev's post was met with an instant reply from the American promoter. Chael Sonnen instantly replies to Islam Makhachev's statement, receives immediate backlash from the fan community Fans of the MMA community were hyped when former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria decided to vacate the championship belt and move up the weight division, with Islam Makhachev still holding the lightweight crown. Ever since the move up, Topuria constantly called out Makhachev for a title fight but was met with no response. El Matador waited for a long time before finally getting a title shot against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title after the Dagestani fighter decided to vacate the belt and move up to the welterweight division following Belal Muhammad's loss to Jack Della Maddalena. However, Makhachev's move up has not been unanimously supported across the MMA community. In a recent Good Guy/Bad Guy episode, American podcaster and former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen stated, 'The bottom line is you entered a division openly that you said you wouldn't face one of the top guys. That's not a sign of courage. That's a sign of cowardice. I don't love the idea." Islam Makhachev moving up is an act of cowardice - Chael Sonnen [FULL SHOW] | Good Guy / Bad Guy While former MMA fighter Daniel Cormier came in to defend the Dagestani fighter, Makhachev himself stepped up to post on his social media account, X, slamming Sonnen's statement. The fighter wrote, 'Chasing hype and money is not the same as chasing greatness in sport. But average athlete, who built his way to the top with cheap trash talk, won't understand that. So please seat and watch how others doing it, uncle Chael. #doublechamp' It wasn't long before the American promoter reacted to Makhachev's statement, 'In fact It wouldn't be the first time YOUR guy and the OTHER guy, BOTH used material they begged me to give 'em to become interesting…' Fans instantly reacted to the war of words, trolling Sonnen for his statement. One of the users wrote, 'You did nothing in the sport no one will remember you' Another user wrote, 'You don't have no legacy Chael. Sit down and shut up and stop yapping about Islam. You got beat up in your prime so bad that you forgot your own prime itself' 'Chael Sonnen talks about attention while, at the same time, lying about other fighters on his YouTube channel just to get ATTENTION.' Also read: 'An immediate rematch' - MMA fans sends in requests to UFC executives after Belal Muhammad's training clips go viral Throughout his pro-MMA career, Makhachev has suffered defeat only once, during the initial stages of his UFC journey. After securing the lightweight belt against Oliveira, Makhachev defended the title four times before finally moving up the weight class. With an aim to become a two-division champion, the Dagestani fighter will be facing the current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena towards the end of this year. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
UFC color commentator Daniel Cormier voices concern over the recent coach switch by Ilia Topuria ahead of UFC 317
Ilia Topuria and Daniel Cormier (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is gearing up well for his second title conquest within the lightweight division against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 . Since the time he vacated the featherweight title, the fighter is quite confident about achieving his next target, which is the lightweight title . While the preparation accordingly goes on, Topuria recently made a shocking move that has shocked the entire community and generated significant reaction from some of the prominent figures of the sport, including Daniel Cormier . Daniel Cormier credits the Climent team with being the backbone of Ilia Topuria's successful UFC journey till now With an undefeated record of 16-0, the Georgian fighter initially called out the then-lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, for a title bout. However, there was no concrete response from the latter's team, even though time and again, Makhachev's coach and training partners stated that the Dagestani fighter is not interested in the bout. Later, Makhachev expressed his interest in moving up the weight category but was hesitant to do so because his long-time training partner, Belal Muhammad, was the then-welterweight champion. UFC 315 changed all the dynamics after Muhammad lost to Jack Della Maddalena in the main event. With Muhammad no longer being the welterweight champion, it was convenient for Makhachev to move up the weight category, following which Ilia Topuria got his long-awaited title shot at the vacant lightweight championship against Charles Oliveira. While this is a crucial phase of Topuria's career, as he plans to bring his pro-MMA record to 17-0, the fighter made a shocking change ahead of his bout at UFC 317. In the process of preparing for his clash against Oliveira, Topuria parted ways with his previous coaches, Jorge and Augustin Climent . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Didn't Anyone Tell You About This Power Saver? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo The decision has been a major shock for the community as well as the fans of the sport. A veteran figure from the sport, UFC Hall of Famer and current color commentator Daniel Cormier, also resorted to his YouTube channel while expressing his concerns for the fighter. 'Ilia Topuria wants to fight Islam Makhachev but needs to get through Charles Oliveira first, especially when we're hearing that he and his team are kind of going in separate directions. Just because of the schedule, they said there's no bad blood.' Cormier went on to express his concern. 'I really don't know how at this point, a month before what will be your opportunity to win a second title, how much effect that will have on Team Topuria. If I'm Ilia, I'm still just using those guys,' Cormier continued. 'Because even if I have to do my training camp with someone else, I know that those guys know me so well, that if they can get with me for a week, two weeks, we're still so aligned, especially if there's no bad blood. ' Daniel Cormier REACTS to Islam Makhachev NOT DUCKING Ilia Topuria, Tom Aspinall fed up w/ Jon Jones Cormier credits the former team of Topuria for enabling him to receive numerous accolades 'This is the team that got Ilia from a young, young man, to being undefeated and a UFC champion. Beating the two greatest featherweights of all time! So to have that familiarity, is very important to an athlete…to me, that's a little bit odd.' Also read: 'Incoming khamzat crying spree' - Fans speculate mental war as Khamzat Chimaev takes an unapologetic shot at Dricus Du Plessis' coaches The rationale behind Topuria's sudden change in his strategy has not been explained yet. While members of the MMA community and fans are eagerly waiting to see how the results yield out, only time will tell who between Topuria and Oliveira shall claim the vacant lightweight title. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
