Khabib Nurmagomedov Doing More Than Winning to be Best Pound For Pound
Khabib Nurmagomedov moved to 28-0 at UFC when defeating Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 242. The lightweight champion believes he should be in the pound-for-pound best in the world conversation by not only defending the title again but also maintaining his undefeated record. While Poirier was emotional about the loss, both men showed nothing but respect since the fight was announced right up until the end, and after.
Nurmagomedov called Poirier, “one of the best in the world,” at the post-fight press conference. While that only helps add to his argument to be considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The other argument would be, because of the conduct between him and Poirier. “We famous, we have money,” Nurmagomedov said, “We can help people, why not?” Nurmagomedov is well aware of Poirier’s involvement in The Good Fight Foundation and said he was going to auction Poirier’s shirt off on Instagram so that the money can go toward that charity.
The gesture is rare when you think about everything from his last fight with Conor McGregor, who seems to have let wealth go to his head and has been inactive. Nurmagomedov may not have been taking a shot at McGregor, but he did feel it was important to say, “If you have money in your hand, this is very good. But, if you have money in your mind, this is very bad.”
In the past, Khabib Nurmagomedov has come under fire for the things he has done but he still seems to value what the platform in MMA shows to the younger generation. “If we make one kid happy, it’s going to be big honor for me,” Nurmagomedov said about trying to good outside the cage with Poirier.
Dominant in competition and presenting some generosity afterward is definitely a championship move. Maybe he has a point about being the best “pound-for-pound.”
