Mixed martial arts legend Khabib Nurmagomedov’s grappling prowess, strength, fight IQ, and above all, humble attitude have inspired plenty of fans worldwide to pick up the sport. One of the many hearts he touched throughout his 12-year career is ONE Championship’s undefeated welterweight star, Murad Ramazanov.
Ramazanov has amassed a perfect 11-0 slate in his professional career, and ahead of his match against Roberto “Robocop” Soldic at ONE on Prime Video 5 this Friday, he opened up about how he sought to follow in the footsteps of the multiple-time MMA World Champion.
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Murad Ramazanov trusted his wrestling-dominated fighting like Khabib Nurmagomedov
“I was inspired by Khabib’s early steps and the direction he took in honing his fighting skills. He didn’t try to become a different style of fighter – a mistake many others make. We have a strong wrestling school. This is our strong point, which shouldn’t be forgotten,” Ramazanov pointed out.
“Khabib used his biggest asset – the dominant wrestling – and developed everything else from that. I tried to emulate him.”
Just as Ramazanov was turning professional in 2014, Nurmagomedov was already widening his horizon by competing in North America. There, his strengths shone brighter than ever against some of the best mixed martial artists in the world.
Murad Ramazanov learned from Khabib to remember his roots
“The Eagle” dominated fights with his textbook grappling style, and this convinced Ramazanov to continue developing his own ground game, despite other combat sports rising to prominence in Russia at the time.
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“If it wasn’t for Khabib, I would have lost some of my core skills, trying to become a striker, a kickboxer. I would have lost my ability to control. My ability to finish the opponent on the ground,” the 27-year-old offered. “He taught me that you have to start from your strong base and build yourself up, don’t try to reinvent yourself.”
Find out if Ramazanov can utilize his dangerous bag of tricks to spoil Soldic’s debut party at ONE on Prime Video 5 this Friday, December 2.
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