Conor McGregor might have the most hype, but Khabib Nurmagomedov could just be the hardest man in the UFC.
The Russian lightweight returned to action after a two-year absence with a comprehensive second-round TKO of Darrell Horcher on Saturday night to take his professional record to an undefeated 23-0.
Nurmagomedov’s return to the octagon has people already talking about a re-match with current lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos in what would be a mouth-watering title fight.
The pair faced off two years ago, with Nurmagomedov taking the win by unanimous decision. But in the Russian’s absence, RDA has claimed the lightweight crown.
Fans looking forward to a re-match will have to wait, though. Nurmagomedov’s Muslim faith means a summer bout will not be possible as the 27-year-old will be fasting for Ramadan – which begins on June 7 this year – and will need time to prepare a full camp.
Khabib sends a message to RDA: let's do it in Sept, Oct or Nov. Again, summer is out for him due to Ramadan.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 17, 2016
While it’s admirable that Nurmagomedov is so devout in his faith that he may forgo a title shot in order to observe Ramadan, one person who is not so impressed is Conor McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh.
McGregor has made a name for himself as a regular fighter, taking on last-minute opponents in half of his eight UFC fights to date, and clearly Kavanagh was underwhelmed by Nurmagomedov’s decision to put his faith over his career.
@arielhelwani Jesus loves knockouts but Mohammed wasn't a fan of summertime MMA? – Choose your religion wisely young fighters!
— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) April 17, 2016
Unsurprisingly, the Russian lightweight did not take this well.
@John_Kavanagh @arielhelwani you can't joking about religion, be careful. #thisisnotshow
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 19, 2016
Kavanagh tried to keep things light, but Nurmagomedov was not interested.
@TeamKhabib @arielhelwani why not? We should be allowed, without threat of violence, have fun with all aspects of life #onelove 🤗
— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) April 19, 2016
@John_Kavanagh @arielhelwani I don't think so, and I hope you will never mix religion and joke, be serious.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 19, 2016
As most of us would do when presented with an angry Nurmagomedov, Kavanagh backed down and wished him well.
@TeamKhabib @arielhelwani ok we'll agree to disagree- congrats on your latest victory and I wish you well in the future #LaVieEstBelle
— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) April 19, 2016
@John_Kavanagh @arielhelwani thanks #Всевышнийвсевидит
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 19, 2016
And while Kavanagh apparently learned something new about discussing religion online, all we could think about is how great a Nurmagomedov vs McGregor fight would be.
After 200 threatening messages I get it. No more religious jokes, no matter how light hearted. Let's all get on with our lives now ☺❤
— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) April 19, 2016
