Published 17:02 IST, September 17th 2020

UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov dismisses comparisons with boxing great Muhammad Ali

Undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov feels that drawing comparisons between Muhammed Ali and himself are "inappropriate".

Reported by: Arnold Dsouza
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UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has claimed that drawing comparisons between him and boxing great Muhammad Ali is 'inappropriate'. Dstan-born fighter is currently undefeated in his MMA career with a 28-0 record and holds longest active undefeated streak in sport. With several MMA fans w drawing similarities between late boxing legend Muhammad Ali and Khabib Nurmagomedov, latter believes that Ali's journey to becoming a champion was completely different.

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UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov explains why comparisons to Muhammad Ali are wrong

Speaking to True Gym MMA in a recent interview, UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked about comparisons between Muhammed Ali and himself. 31-year-old explained that re are only two similar factors between Ali and himself. " only common factors between Ali and me is that we are champions and both of us are Muslims."

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Khabib went on to add that it's unfair to compare himself to Ali because late boxing phemen had a massive impact on  African-American community outside sport. " things he (Ali) did outside ring, I can't be compared with that. Yes, at time, he was champion but his journey to top was very different to mine", said Khabib. Khabib Nurmagomedov n explained that in order to be compared with Ali, he might have to go back in time, feel what it's like to be born an African-American and n work his way to top. "He changed things for his race. In his autobiography, I read that he wasn't served food in restaurants so I have to first kw what that feels like in order for people to compare me with Ali," he explained. In conclusion, Khabib admitted that although he likes comparisons with light heavyweight Olympic gold medalist, y are simply "inappropriate". 

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Khabib next fight: UFC lightweight champion to defend title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254

Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to Octagon next month and is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on October 25. A win over Justin Gaethje would take Khabib's professional MMA record to 29-0 but this will be his first fight after death of his far, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Khabib's far, Abdulmanap, passed away earlier this year in July after health complications due to coronavirus. Many believe that Khabib plans on extending his unbeaten streak in MMA to 30-0 before calling it quits with sport.

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Im Credits - AP / Muhammad Ali Instagram

13:01 IST, September 17th 2020