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Umar Nurmagomedov would love to remain extra energetic, however typically it’s simply not attainable.
The 28-year-old bantamweight contender competed for the primary time in additional than a 12 months on Saturday at UFC Vegas 87, defeating Bekzat Almakhan after being compelled out of a beforehand scheduled bout this previous August towards Cory Sandhagen in a five-round predominant occasion. Because it stands, Nurmagomedov has solely fought twice up to now 14 months, and he responded to critics claiming he’s earned a popularity for pulling out of fights and never competing as usually as required to deserve a popularity as among the best abilities on this planet at 135 kilos.
“Everyone talks about my pullouts,” Nurmagomedov stated at his post-fight press convention. “Sean [O’Malley’s] coach and a few completely different guys [talk about it]. In my life, I pulled out due to me, my well being, two occasions. First time, I used to be sick. My face was very massive and I didn’t sleep all evening and I used to be very sick. I don’t keep in mind [anything] worse than that point in my life. I didn’t battle, nevertheless it was a battle with Sergey Morozov and later I fought with him. Second time, due to me, due to my well being, I pulled out due to my shoulder. I injured my shoulder and I did surgical procedure and I’ll battle with Cory Sandhagen once more, I hope.
“It’s two occasions after I pull out due to me. Different [times], when [the pandemic happened], when my uncle [Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov] handed away, when my opponents pull out, they’re going to depend all the pieces and say Umar pulled out eight occasions. It’s not true.”
Regardless of an ideal 17-0 file, Nurmagomedov had endured loads of unhealthy luck in his makes an attempt to work towards title rivalry within the UFC.
It’s unlucky, however Nurmagomedov says in the end accidents solely compelled him to drag out of two contests, however no person desires to acknowledge the opposite circumstances that led to battle cancellations.
“I pull out two occasions,” Nurmagomedov stated. “One time, I battle with this similar man once more. I don’t assume somebody is scared. Guys come to MMA, combined martial arts, and I feel all people who comes to do that job goes inside and tries to make injury to one another. Everyone is courageous. I simply need to battle.
“Subsequent, Cory Sandhagen — he talked about [fighting me during International Fight Week], he desires to battle, let’s go, I’m prepared. If he don’t need it, any person else. I actually don’t care.”
Nurmagomedov acknowledged that the injury inflicted on his physique on account of a rigorous coaching schedule can come again to chew him often, however that’s simply the character of the game.
As a result of he might be referred to as upon to compete at any time, Nurmagomedov stays coaching year-round, and punishing the physique like that week after week, month after month would catch as much as anyone.
“I’m doing a tough job,” Nurmagomedov stated. “They stated to me, ‘You’re going to battle,’ for instance, ‘the final battle in January.’ They stated, ‘Sure, you’re going to be combating in March.’ I maintain working. I feel no person can do exhausting coaching all 12 months. That’s why I’m typically injured.
“First time I injured my knee, second time I injured my shoulder as a result of I’m not wholesome like a robotic. I can break too. That’s why I need to battle all the pieces [in] three months. I need to be energetic. It doesn’t depend upon me, however if you’re injured, what are you going to do?”
So far as his standing within the division, Nurmagomedov guarantees he’s not afraid to face whoever the UFC throws at him, and he’s definitely not searching for a straightforward opponent. He’s assured that he can beat anyone on this planet at 135 kilos proper now, and he’s by no means going to remorse expressing that confidence in himself.
“I’m speaking as a result of I do know what job I did,” Nurmagomedov stated. “I do know different guys, what they’re doing. I do know my crew. The way in which I’m speaking, I can smash and I can end Petr Yan. I’m severe. I can do that. After I speak about Cory Sandhagen and I can end him, I’m severe.
“Not as a result of I’m cocky or one thing like that. No. However guys, I’ve a really, superb crew. Take a look at our crew. 4 guys are light-weight division champions. Who else groups have like that? No one.”
Now that he’s again and wholesome once more, Nurmagomedov doesn’t need to waste any time reserving his subsequent battle. He plans to coach by means of Ramadan and hopes that UFC 303 on June 29 may doubtlessly function a touchdown spot for his return to motion.
“[UFC] stated we have now a date [International Fight Week] with Cory Sandhagen,” Nurmagomedov stated. “Earlier than this battle, they’re speaking about this and Cory is speaking about this, so I feel it’s going to occur.”
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