Khabib Nurmagomedov draws comparison to Bane, thanks to his official UFC respirator mask

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov drew an unusual comparison as he arrived in his hotel in Abu Dhabi ahead of his blockbuster fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Khabib was captured donning UFC's respirator mask, which made him look like Bane, a DC supervillain.  respiratory mask Khabib wore is UFC's official mask, made by ir partners, O2 Industries. Khabib even promoted Bane-esque mask on social media. He posted a photo of himself on Instagram with a link to 'Protect Fighter' website. mask retails for urds of $200. 

Also Read | Cor McGregor Claims He Won Two Rounds Before Being Stopped By Khabib In 4th At UFC 229

Khabib mask or Bane mask? Fans point out similarity to Tom Hardy's character

Fans were quick to draw comparisons to Hollywood actor Tom Hardy, who played role of Batman's arch-rival in Dark Knight Rises. One fan commented on Khabib's post: "That's a powerful mask." Ar fan dedicated one of Bane's most memorable lines from movie to Khabib: "It doesn't matter who we are. What matters is our plan." MMA fighter Murad Machaev simply wrote: "Bane!"

Back in Abu Dhabi hotel, Khabib also bumped into former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier. retired fighter, who is currently working as a pundit in UFC, is kwn to be a good friend of Dstani as y were also teammates at American Kickboxing Academy.

Also Read | Khabib Says McGregor Rematch ‘makes Sense’ If Cor Beats Poirier At 155, t At 170

Khabib vs Gaethje to feature fans

According to ESPN, UFC's request to allow a limited number of fans at  Flash Forum Arena, Yas Island, was t approved. UFC was, refore, forced to put ticket sales on hold. UFC 254 will be similar to or events that took place during COVID-19 pandemic. However, report did confirm that a small number of invitees will be present at arena, which will mostly comprise of journalists and pundits.

Also Read | Khabib Nurmagomedov Takes Ar Shot At Justin Gaethje: 'I’m t Tony Ferguson'

On Saturday, October 24, Khabib Nurmagomedov will defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje. Bracing for his first fight in over a year, Khabib is entering as heavy favourite to emerge victorious at UFC 254. He previously defended his title against Dustin Poirier and Cor McGregor. Khabib currently holds a 28-0 record. 

As for Justin Gaethje, 31-year-old is currently on a four-fight win streak, having last lost his fight against Poirier in April 2018. Earlier this year, Gaethje beat Tony Ferguson via TKO at UFC 249 to earn a shot at Khabib's title. Gaethje is 22-2 in his professional career. 

Also Read | Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Far Abdulmanap Receives Tear-jerking Tribute Ahead Of UFC 254

(Im Credits: Khabib Nurmagomedov Instagram)