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via Getty

via Getty

Some of the best current MMA fighters are teammates of the retired UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. They are fighting for leading MMA promotions around the world and have been getting a lot of success too. One such great fighter is Saygid Izagakhmaev. The Russian fighter has joined ONE Championship and on January 14, he fought his first fight for the promotion.

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He faced James Nakashima and successfully submitted him through a choke in the second round. He has an enviable MMA record of 20 wins and just 2 losses. In a recent video released by ONE Championship, ‘The Eagle’ was seen talking about Izagakhmaev. Khabib pointed out the aspects that make Izagakhmaev a dangerous opponent to face in the ring.

Khabib said, “Saygid’s fighting style is very dangerous because he’s tall, and he has a long reach with his legs and arms. He has very good elbows, good clinch, and, of course, he’s very good on the ground. Ground game and grappling, like all the guys from our school. When I watched how he was one year ago and right now, he’s completely different. And he’s only 27-years-old, and he keeps learning.”

He also stated, “I really believe, I truly believe that with ONE Championship, he’s going to improve a lot.”

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It looks like Izagakhmaev is a well-rounded fighter with the ability to keep learning and growing. Plus, with a retired champion at his side, the fighter has all that he needs to dominate his division. Thus, his future bouts will surely be blockbusters.

What’s next for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé?

Izagakhmaev’s fight against Nakashima was already a tough one. As he is just one fight old at ONE Championship, he has several great opponents to face in the lightweight division. Further, the promotion would be a good platform to show the masses his uniqueness as a fighter.

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Khabib’s comments about Izagakhmaev illustrate that Izagakhmaev can climb through the division and reach the very top. So it would be very interesting to see how this young fighter’s career pans out.

Till then, curious fans can check out his debut fight for the promotion.

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What do you think about Khabib Nurmagomedov hyping up Saygid Izagakhmaev? Let us know in the comments below.

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