Saygid Izagakhmaev will make his ONE Championship debut against James Nakashima at ONE: HEAVY HITTERS on Friday.
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ixed martial arts (MMA) icon Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov has confirmed that he will visit Singapore to accompany his protege Saygid Izagakhmaev as he makes his promotional debut at ONE: HEAVY HITTERS.
The legendary Russian star has mentored Izagakhmaev on his way to the top of the MMA world, and he believes the lightweight athlete will come out victorious against James Nakashima on Friday.
He said Izagakhmaev would be capable of delivering an impressive appearance inside Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“We’re all waiting for his debut. I know Saygid has stayed in the gym every day and night, and he’s excited about his debut in ONE Championship,” Nurmagomedov said.
“He’s very hungry. That is very important in this game. You have to be hungry. There are a lot of reasons why Saygid is a very dangerous opponent.”
The Russian grappler, who holds a 19-2 record in MMA, joined ONE Championship last year and his debut instantly became one of the most anticipated in the organization.
Izagakhmaev started training under “The Eagle’s” late father – Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov – 15 years ago, so he has many similar traits to the iconic world champion. However, Nurmagomedov assured that the 27-year-old star has his own unique fighting style.
“He began training with my father when he was very young, and I know him very, very well. He was always focused and a very hard trainer,” he said.
“We have a similar fighting style, like grappling, wrestling, clinching, how we move, how we use our body and our hips on the ground, but he’s a little bit taller than me.
“Saygid’s style is very dangerous because he’s tall. He has a long reach with his legs and arms. He has very good elbows, good clinch and, of course, a very good on-ground game – like all of the guys from our school.”
Nurmagomedov, who announced his retirement from professional MMA after collecting a perfect slate of 29-0, said Izagakhmaev was already a force to be reckoned with. That being said, he also noted that there was still ample room for improvement.
“When I watch how he was one year ago, right now, he’s completely different. He’s only 27 years old, and he keeps learning,” he said.
James Nakashima
Still, Nurmagomedov does not take anything for granted and believes that Nakashima could spoil Izagakhmaev's highly anticipated debut.
The former ONE welterweight world title contender is a strong wrestler with ever-improving striking, and he has the added benefit of more elite-level experience.
Nurmagomedov understands the kind of threats Izagakhmaev's upcoming adversary can offer, but his presence in the corner on fight night can give his protege some added motivation.
“I’m going to be with him in Singapore. I think this is good for him because I have so much knowledge that I can share with him. I can give him good energy. I can motivate him,” he said.
“Nakashima is a very good fighter. I watched a couple of his fights. He has good wrestling, but I don’t think Nakashima can control [Saygid] in wrestling. We have a good plan. We’re going to defend his wrestling, and we’re going to give him some damage, and I really believe Saygid can finish him.”
A victory over an experienced competitor like Nakashima will clear the path for Izagakhmaev to climb the divisional rankings. However, Nurmagomedov refuses to look too far ahead and his priority is to see Izagakhmaev emerge victorious this Friday.
“We don’t underestimate Nakashima and talk about what’s next for him [Izagakhmaev]. Let’s finish with him, and then we can talk,” Nurmagomedov said.
“Saygid has [21] fights in his career and he will be ready for anyone.”
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This article is published in collaboration with ONE Championship