Russian mixed martial arts fighter, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov told Izvestia why he chose Abu Dhabi as the venue for the fight with Justin Gaji.
According to the athlete, the reason was that he was counting on his father’s support in the fight with the American title challenger.
– When I signed a contract for a fight with Gaji, I had a choice where to fight – in Vegas or Abu Dhabi. I chose Abu Dhabi because there was a chance that my father would be able to attend. We signed a contract and my father was gone. Now we can no longer change the venue: the battle will take place in Abu Dhabi, – explained Nurmagomedov.
The fighter also said that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s father, who was also his trainer, was “very much missing.”
– What can we do about it? We have to accept it, accept it and move on. There is no other choice. Either you have to leave, or if you are doing this, you have to do it responsibly. I train just the same as before. Maybe even more, – said the champion.
The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje will take place on October 24 as part of the UFC 254 tournament in Abu Dhabi. The live broadcast of the fight can be seen only on REN TV.
Read more in an exclusive interview with Izvestia:
“I really miss my father, but I have to put up with it and move on.”