Khabib Nurmagomedov recently discussed his expectations for his cousin, Usman, in his upcoming rematch with Paul Hughes. The highly anticipated rematch is set to headline PFL Road to Dubai on Oct. 3.
Their first fight took place earlier this year. It was highly entertaining and closely contested. Nurmagomedov won via majority decision after the judges scored the bout 47-47, 48-46, and 48-46 in his favor.
It was the Dagestani’s third and final successful Bellator lightweight title defense. He was promoted to PFL lightweight champion last month.
The victory also improved Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record to 19-0 (1 NC).
Since that fight, Hughes called for an immediate rematch. However, he fought a different opponent first. ‘Big News’ earned a dominant 1st round TKO victory over Bruno Miranda at PFL Europe 1. He called out Nurmagomedov after the fight and the rematch was later made official.
Speaking with PFL’s social media team, Khabib set his expectations for his Usman. The UFC Hall of Famer expects his cousin to dominate Hughes. He wants the lightweight champion to silence his critics and leave no doubt about who the better fighter is.
“I really want Usman [to] dominate,” Nurmagomedov said. “Beat [Hughes] in dominant position. But, if he finish him, it’s gonna be much better.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin Usman Reveals Mentality for Rematch With Paul Hughes
Usman Nurmagomedov is taking Hughes very seriously. He admitted to overlooking ‘Big News’ in their first fight. However, he has made adjustments in his training and mindset.
During the PFL Road to Dubai media call, Nurmagomedov promised a much different approach this time. He emphasized that he is ready to do whatever it takes to secure the victory.
Nurmagomedov also revealed that he and Hughes share a similar dedication to sport.
“I don’t want to talk too much and I know [Hughes is] preparing his best shape. He’s working like, this is all his life work,” Nurmagomedov said. “Same thing for me. I’m ready to die inside [the cage], I don’t care. If I have to be dying inside this cage for the victory, I will be dying. This is my mentality.”
Usman Discusses Pressure of Living Up to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Usman is not just Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin, but a rising star at the famed AKA gym. He has received praise from coach Javier Mendez, as well as legends like Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez.
That praise also comes high expectations from the MMA community. Many believe Usman should live up to his legendary cousin’s legacy. ‘The Eagle’ was an undefeated lightweight champion when he retired at the height of his career.
Usman’s most recent fight against Hughes was the most adversity he dealt with inside the cage so far. Despite the weight of these expectations, he made it clear that he doesn’t feel pressure. He said fighting itself doesn’t create pressure for him.
“Pressure is when you wake up early morning and you find your mother or your father dead, or your children dead” Nurmagomedov said during the PFL Road to Dubai media call. “When you talk about pressure like [a] fight, it’s not pressure. [A] fight is a fight. I know 100 percent [Hughes] is not scared of me, I’m not scared of him, and we are fighters.”
He added:
“For us to go inside the cage and fight, this is not pressure. This is enjoyed, but pressure is about different things.”
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