In the realm of combat sports, the names Georges St-Pierre (GSP) and Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov resonate as monumental figures. Their legacies have been woven into the history of mixed martial arts. Conversations surrounding a potential face-off between these icons have been circulating in combat sports circles. In this discussion, a new dimension has emerged, courtesy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist Craig Jones.
Within the confines of the Octagon, ‘GSP’ and Nurmagomedov have solidified their positions as exceptional athletes. Their performances have captured the admiration of global audiences. Even the idea of the hypothetical showdown has fans in high hopes. However, amidst the speculations and theories, Craig Jones recently added some information. He claimed to have heard something about ‘The Eagle’ that will definitely be of interest to fight fans.
Craig Jones makes claims on demands made by Khabib Nurmagomedov for the GSP fight
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The former No-Gi world champion Craig Jones is also UFC Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski’s BJJ coach. In conversation with Gunnar Nelson, the legendary Icelandic mixed martial artist, Jones opened up about something he heard. ‘The Eagle’ had said that his decision to retire was based on a promise he made to his mother. But Craig Jones’ new claim seemed to suggest otherwise. In the conversation, he was recollecting one of the conversations he had with the UFC’s Fight Pass team.
“I think they said Khabib wanted 5 million dollars to do the grappling match.”
Craig Jones claimed he heard Khabib Nurmagomedov wanted a lot of money to grapple GSP pic.twitter.com/JMksM2jFnE
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) August 25, 2023
The Australian said, “I remember I was with the Fight Pass guys. They were trying to ask me about opponents for GSP for ideas and I had no idea who it would be. I was just like – I don’t know!”. Jones went on to elaborate, “But I remember – obviously, I said Khabib. I think they said Khabib wanted five million dollars to do the grappling match”. In a post on X, ‘BloodyElbow’ shared Jones’ claim about ‘The Eagle’s demands. Fans immediately took to the comments section to voice their opinions on the 5,000,000 dollar accusation.
Fans react to Craig Jones’ claims on X
Craig Jones’ statements have since then spread like wildfire. Fans of mixed martial arts took the news in various ways and discussed it on online platforms. However, one large section of fans immediately went for the grappling coach’s credibility. They said:
Craig jones is the LEAST reliable source when it comes to statements like this lmao take this with not just a grain but a big bag of salt
— Lucifer (@LuciferMMA) August 25, 2023
Where is your source ? Khabib never cares about money trash mma clickbait 😂🤡
You trying to make khabib look bad?
— Doctor MMA (@FightDoctor_) August 25, 2023
No way I’m believing heresay of Craig Jones lmao
— SheikhDana (@they_fight) August 25, 2023
One fan was highly critical of Nurmagomedov’s alleged demand.
would probably only get $5M for a real UFC fight, a grappling match? you might get $250k lmao
— wes (@apexwes007) August 25, 2023
Others understood why Khabib might make such a demand.
It’s khabib vs GSP many people would pay to watch that and you guys want Khabib to come out of retirement and fight GSP for free? Lol $5 million is too low imo
— Areola Haywani (@UFCbrotha) August 25, 2023
I can see why he’d avoid it tbh, he’s out of competition and the off chance he loses people would say GSP is better cuz he’d have out grappled him, which is what he’d try to do in MMA I assume 🤷♂️
— Gordy_Kegs #RESPAWNRECRUITS (@gordy_kegs) August 25, 2023
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Some fans also took the opportunity to predict the outcome of the hypothetical fight.
GSP would of utterly destroyed him in the cage. Why Khabobby starved himself to fight smaller opponents at lightweight.
— Two tone Tony (@TwotoneTon39852) August 26, 2023
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While it will become a dream come true for fight fans all over the world, there are a lot of factors that retired fighters must consider before re-entering the game. In the meantime, fans speculate and predict the outcomes of these fantasy matches. What are your opinions on the rumors regarding ‘The Eagle’s fees? And if a fight did happen, who do you think would come out on top? Let us know below.
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