The name 'Nurmagomedov' is once again trending in the sports world, drawing significant interest from fans with over 200+ mentions in recent discussions. For those familiar with mixed martial arts (MMA), Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated former UFC lightweight champion, is synonymous with dominance. Though he retired in 2020 after an impeccable 29-0 record, the fighter's legacy and influence continue to captivate fans and fighters alike.
Recent revelations about a near-fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and UFC featherweight star Brian Ortega have reignited conversations around the Dagestani fighter. This article will delve into why 'Nurmagomedov' is trending and explore the stories behind the headlines that have MMA fans buzzing.
The Almost-Fight Between Brian Ortega and Khabib Nurmagomedov
One of the primary reasons 'Nurmagomedov' has been making waves recently is due to a resurfaced story involving UFC featherweight fighter Brian Ortega. Ortega, who is known for his grappling prowess and exciting fighting style, recently opened up about how he almost fought Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.
According to Ortega, the fight was meant to happen on short notice ahead of UFC 223 after Khabib's original opponent, Tony Ferguson, withdrew due to injury. In a revealing interview, Ortega shared that he had just eaten a cheesecake from Junior’s—a famous New York bakery—when he received a call asking if he would step in to fight Khabib.
Ortega was ready to accept the challenge, despite being significantly smaller than the lightweight champion. The fight, however, never materialized. Still, the story highlights Ortega's willingness to take risks and Khabib's reputation as a fighter everyone wanted to test themselves against.
Dana White’s Reaction: "For Real?"
In a complementary story, Ortega expanded on how UFC President Dana White reacted when he agreed to take the fight on short notice. Ortega explained in an interview with Sportskeeda that Dana White seemed stunned when Ortega, primarily a featherweight competitor, expressed his willingness to fight Khabib at lightweight.
Dana White's reaction—“For real?”—illustrates just how significant a matchup this could have been. Khabib, known for his grappling dominance and strength, would have posed a serious challenge to Ortega. Though it didn't happen, the fact that the fight was so close to being booked adds another layer to Khabib's illustrious career and Ortega's legacy as a fighter willing to step up at any moment.
Dana White Confirms the Fight Was “A Step Away”
Adding to the intrigue, UFC President Dana White recently confirmed that the Ortega-Nurmagomedov fight was indeed close to becoming a reality. In a report from Essentially Sports, White corroborated Ortega’s account, noting that the fight was "a step away" from being finalized.
The fact that a featherweight like Ortega was even considered to face the lightweight kingpin speaks volumes about both fighters. It also underscores the chaos that sometimes surrounds fight bookings, especially in a sport as unpredictable as MMA. White's confirmation has only fueled fan discussions about what could have been one of the most unexpected matchups in UFC history.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Post-Retirement Legacy
Even though Khabib retired in 2020, his name continues to dominate headlines. The near-fight with Ortega is just one of many stories that highlight Khabib’s influence on the sport. Since stepping away from competition, Khabib has transitioned into a new role as a coach and promoter. His involvement with Eagle FC, a fight promotion based in Russia, and his coaching of top-tier fighters like Islam Makhachev, keeps him closely tied to the world of MMA.
Khabib’s decision to retire after the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was seen as a mark of his deep family values and respect for his father's legacy. Fans continue to speculate whether Khabib will ever return to the octagon, but for now, his coaching career seems to be his primary focus.
Conclusion
The story of a near-showdown between Brian Ortega and Khabib Nurmagomedov has reignited fan interest in the latter’s legacy and what could have been one of the most intriguing matchups in UFC history. Although Khabib has stepped away from fighting, his influence continues to reverberate throughout the MMA community. Whether it's through coaching the next generation of fighters or being at the center of stories like this one, Khabib Nurmagomedov remains an enduring figure in the sport.
Ortega's willingness to fight Khabib on short notice speaks to his warrior spirit and the respect that Khabib commands as a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. As more stories about Khabib’s career continue to surface, it's clear that his name will remain synonymous with MMA excellence for years to come.
Sources
- Noche UFC star Brian Ortega details how he almost fought Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018… ‘I’d just ate a Junior’s cheesecake’
- Brian Ortega sheds light on shocking Dana White once after accepting to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov on short notice: "He was like, 'For real?'"
- Dana White Confirmed Brian Ortega vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov Was a Step Away as Claimed by UFC FW Star Years Ago