Khabib Nurmagomedov plans training for UFC 254 bout against Justin Gaethje outside the US

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is slated to return at UFC 254 to face Justin Gaethje but MMA superstar will t travel to  US to prepare for his fight. Khabib's longtime coach, Javier Mendez, recently revealed that undefeated UFC star will continue to train in Dstan due to concerns of coronavirus pandemic. With  venue for UFC 254 yet to be decided, Khabib Nurmagomedov is taking risks in his training amid pandemic. 

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UFC 254: Khabib training in native, won't travel to US

On Thursday, Mendez spoke to ESPN and explained that Khabib Nurmagomedov is t comfortable training at his fight camp in California due to prevailing risk of coronavirus. Khabib vs Gaethje fight is scheduled to take place on October 24 but with  UFC 254 venue yet to be decided, Mendez revealed that Khabib won't be travelling to US to train. He said: "re are still two choices, Las Vegas or Fight Island [Yas Island, Abu Dhabi], but y haven't confirmed it yet. Khabib isn't comfortable travelling due to coronavirus concern in California."

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Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) lives in Dstan, Russia and is planning to continue his training from his native or anywhere close to where fight is held if it takes place outside US. Since 2012, Nurmagomedov has held all of his fight camps at American Kickboxing Acemy in San Jose, California. Khabib Nurmagomedov has t yet fought in 2020 with his last win coming against Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 back in September 2019. 

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UFC 254 Khabib vs Gaethje schedule

Although Khabib was scheduled to face Tony Ferguson in April this year, fight fell through due to coronavirus pandemic. Khabib's far and coach, Abdulmanap, died last month from heart complications after testing positive for coronavirus. However, UFC president Dana White confirmed last month that Khabib will return at UFC 254 to face Justin Gaethje. 

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UFC 254 Khabib vs Gaethje

Justin Gaethje (22-2) is an NCAA wrestler and has potential to present Nurmagomedov with one of his sternest tests if  fight is on ground. However, 'Eagle' is still tipped as  favourite to maintain his incredible undefeated streak following Khabib vs Gaethje bout. Khabib's MMA record boasts 10 wins by submission and eight victories by kckout. 

Im Credits - Khabib Nurmagomedov Twitter