The Team Khabib and Jon Jones beef continues.
In recent years, there’s been growing friction between Jones and various members of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team centered primarily around the GOAT conversation. Jones, of course, has a long rivalry with Khabib’s friend and teammate Daniel Cormier, but he also took issue with people calling Khabib the MMA GOAT before he retired, and recently beefed with Islam Makhachev over a similar dispute, even celebrating when Umar Nurmagomedov got knocked out by Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai.
So, when Jones’ protege, Gable Steveson, got brutally knocked out in just 12 seconds at UFC 331, Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar’s brother, took shots at Jones on social media (h/t Happy Punch).
“You know what a boomerang is, Jon? Shit happens. Good luck to your boyfriend in the future!”
But though he took a shot at Steveson while lashing out at Jones, Nurmagomedov actually seems to not have any issue with the former Olympic gold medalist; he just thinks he’s not really a fighter yet.
“He’s an Olympic champion, but not in MMA, isn’t he?” Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA. “He’s got no amateur experience. But as we all know, you have to have amateur experience as a fighter. One hundred fights at least. You have to feel it out, that stage, the MMA stage. And again, the very first punch landed, he didn’t feel the distance.
“Yes, he’s a good wrestler, an Olympic-level wrestler, but he’s not a fighter nor a striker. But that is mixed martial arts. That includes everything.
“I wish him well; speedy recovery and future success. This is MMA. This kind of thing happens here.”
TOP STORIES
Response. Gable Steveson responds to sexual assault allegations in first statement since knockout loss at UFC 331.
Bones. Matt Brown isn’t giving up on Gable Steveson but questions if he has the right people guiding him: ‘Jon Jones is not the way.’
Injury. Sean Strickland shows off injuries after ATV accident: ‘I’m in a real bad place.’
Hypocrisy. Daniel Cormier responds to hypocrisy criticism after ripping Gable Steveson for bad sportsmanship at UFC 331.
Out. John Martin steps down as PFL-MVP CEO.
Mistakes. Merab Dvalishvili breaks down key mistake he made in Petr Yan rematch ahead of UFC 333 title fight.
Weight. UFC 331 fight night weights: Joshua Van gained over 20 pounds for his title fight against Alexandre Pantoja.
Results. Two wild brawls highlight historic week on Contender Series with six fighters taking home contracts.
VIDEO STEW
Merab Dvalishvili interview.
Contender Series highlight.
Contender Series presser.
Contender Series talk.
UFC 331 slow motion.
Ali Abdelaziz responds to Ilia Topuria.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Contender contracts.
Correct.
Step up!
Related?
Coach of the Year?
Poatan?
You too can knock people out like Drew Dober!
Well, alrighty then.
FEED ME MORE
Thoughts?
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Jon Jones vs. Team Khabib beef is the silliest in MMA, because it’s almost entirely just Jones literally cannot handle anyone thinking he’s not the GOAT. Which, you know, seems like the sort of insecurity that a real GOAT wouldn’t have. I don’t see Wayne Gretzky skating around and demanding everything call him the GOAT. Or Tom Brady. Hell, I haven’t even seen Michael Jordan get super up in arms about the LeBron conversation.
Alas, like Camelot, MMA is a silly place.
EXIT POLL
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