Khabib Nurmagomedov has transitioned from being one of the most dominant champions in UFC history to one of the sport’s most successful and insightful coaches.
In a fascinating sit-down conversation with Henry Cejudo, ‘The Eagle’ broke down how the former double champion can not only re-capture his old UFC title belt – but achieve it in less than 12 months.
Khabib Nurmagomedov says there’s ‘no other option’ than Cejudo vs Pantoja
Henry Cejudo is desperate to get back into the UFC title conversation, although when speaking to Khabib Nurmagomedov, ‘Triple C’ stated that he’s more likely to go for the flyweight belt now that cousin Umar Nurmagomedov has arrived.
“I think Merab’s a good fight for Umar; I think Umar stylistically is just too f***** good man, even for me brother, I’m thinking about going down to 57Kg [125lbs] because of your cousin… Real recognizes real.”
According to the legendary former lightweight champion, “there is no other option” for the promotion than making Alexandre Pantoja vs Henry Cejudo in mid-2025.
“There is no other option than [Alexandre] Pantoja, there is no fight [otherwise]… There is no other option. I think if they want some big fight for this weight class, they have to make this – Cejudo vs Pantoja would be big.
“We have to recognize real things, you know. Like I’m talking about you, I think you’re all for this sport but if I am a promoter like Dana [White], I would try to make Pantoja fight with you because there is nobody else… Cejudo vs Pantoja is going to be big.”
Cejudo might currently be on a two-fight losing streak – dropping decisions to Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling – but there’s one thing that Cejudo will always hold over his competitors, Olympic experience.
“But people underestimate one thing, [you are] Olympic champion, this is not normal [for other] people, this is like one up than other people, they don’t understand Olympic champion’s level,” continued Nurmagomedov.
“If you’re going to fight [Pantoja], your experience is always going to be there, nobody can cancel your experience and if you put in a little bit of discipline, you don’t even need too much, just a little discipline… Stay healthy and eat clean, you can be champion [again].”
In fact, Khabib Nurmagomedov is so sure that Cejudo could re-capture UFC gold that he’s going to speak to Dana White about the matchup.
Khabib says he’s going to ‘talk to Dana White’ about Cejudo vs Pantoja
Cejudo hasn’t fought at 125lbs since his title win over TJ Dillashaw in 2019 and with his 38th birthday coming up in a matter of weeks, ‘Triple C’ certainly doesn’t have time on his side to make that cut again and again.
Khabib believes that in order to successfully drop to flyweight before he turns 39, Cejudo should take one more fight at bantamweight in early 2025 – before fighting for flyweight gold against Pantoja in the Summer.
“You know what you need? A first fight at 135lbs and then you go [down to flyweight], first of all should be to bring your body back and when you win that fight, don’t try to take long time [away], don’t take a vacation.
“If you fight in February, okay then March you take off, and then April you jump into training camp and fight in International Fight Week for the title – can you imagine if you come back and win at 125?”
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It’s unclear whether this interview was conducted before or after Pantoja’s title victory at UFC 310, although Khabib Nurmagomedov was clear on one thing: “You can [be champion] – I’m going to talk with Dana too [for you].”
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