Usman Nurmagomedov has a choice to make, and if he lands a UFC deal, his coach believes Ilia Topuria could be essentially the most stern take a look at.
Nurmagomedov is broadly thought-about to be one of the best light-weight exterior the UFC banner. This previous Friday, he made quick work of the beforehand unbeaten Archie Colgan. Nurmagomedov received the combat through first-round knockout to efficiently retain the PFL Light-weight Championship. Nurmagomedov’s file stands at 22-0, 1 NC, and lots of consider he may very well be UFC sure.
Showing on Submission Radio, American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez admitted he feels Topuria could be troublesome to resolve if Nurmagomedov joins the highest MMA promotion. Even so, he’s assured that the previous Bellator titleholder can go the take a look at (h/t MMAJunkie).
“He matches up extraordinarily effectively with each a type of guys,” Mendez stated. “The man who’s going to be the hardest puzzle, in my view, is Topuria. He’s going to be the hardest puzzle, however we’ll get him solved, too. He’s the one I might have essentially the most respect going up towards. … Our hardest process that we now have to work on is Ilia.”
Mendez doesn’t consider the 28-year-old champion would want any tune-up combat upon getting into UFC. He needs his fighter to go straight for the wolves at 155 kilos.
“If he does soar in (to the UFC), I’m trying on the prime two canines, somebody like a (Arman) Tsarukyan, somebody like a Topuria. These are the 2 I have a look at because the dream fights,” Mendez stated. “Not the dream fights, however the fights to wish to have.”
Mendez anticipates that the UFC matchmakers would give Nurmagomedov both Paddy Pimblett or Max Holloway as an alternative. If that have been to be the case, the AKA head coach wouldn’t be against it. Finally, he feels Nurmagomedov ought to get a prime five-ranked opponent for his UFC debut if he makes the soar.
Do you agree that Ilia Topuria could be Usman Nurmagomedov’s hardest opponent if he joins the UFC roster, or do you’ve got another person in thoughts? Share your opinion within the feedback under.
This text appeared first on BJPENN.COM
