Khabib Nurmagomedov previews fight vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 | FULL CONVO | ESPN MMA

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Before moving to Fight Island ahead of UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto about preparing for his lightweight title unification fight against Justin Gaethje. (8:07) Khabib explains why he took the fight instead of waiting to compete in front of fans and discusses how Gaethje changed his style. (14:48) Khabib also talks about Gaethje’s win over Tony Ferguson, (19:40) what his fighting future may include and the legacy of his father (25:40) in mixed martial arts.
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[@georgekoumantarakis8601]

Cant do nothing else but love Khabib and all the values he represents.

[@inkdew5620]

His values include jihad, not letting women in sports and education

[@ugnerd1979]

@@inkdew5620 illiterate

[@mohamedsaeed9388]

@@inkdew5620 go look things up and educate yourself

[@twinflame7411]

True 💯

[@rm3869]

Grin Much that's not true

[@Sam-ng3of]

That philosophical talk from Khabib was deep.

[@mixedmartialarts8123]

Islam thinking, brother😉

[@TheTenthJinchuuriki]

It was amazing

[@bennyg9782]

How was fight island Khabib ? : The breakfast is ok.

[@Ben-xg7ig]

Bruh? It took yall this long to post the whole interview? There were clips from this interview like 2 or 3 weeks ago

[@techstacker5361]

I guess they forgot about it? 😬This is amateurish considering how big this fight is.

[@Ben-xg7ig]

Brett had to make sure daddy Ali abdelaziz and uncle Dana approved

[@Moh.Trades]

@@Ben-xg7ig 😂😂

[@DIIO9999]

Well, he talked badly about Fight Island, that he doesnt like it, the energy etc. That's not good publicity releasing it weeks before the fight. Now its almost fight time so they decided to release it.

[@Ritalie]

@@DIIO9999They should have just edited that part out. It's not lying to remove half of the interview haha.

[@travershall7152]

I respect khabib more as a man than I do as a fighter

[@AbeTheFakeSage]

Because it’s more important to be a good man, rather than a good fighter... right? Because Goliath was a great fighter. And David, little David... We all know the story. Peace Be Upon The Family :)

[@TheSonoranDesertGrower]

"I see a lot of blood. Not my own, but I see a lot of blood." Khabib 2020

[@ttsnlrt5770]

"Justin is a bad guy,for the next two weeks I'm not gonna like him" Lol😂

[@TheTenthJinchuuriki]

Khabib’s answer at 12:17 is so profound. People forget that khabib grew up in the middle of civil war in the late 1990’s... I don’t think people understand how different he is from your average American fighter. Just my opinion

[@hajratahir3119]

"In this life...I see a lot of blood"

[@HollywoodHoganWCW]

Love that comment at the end about Mcgregor, don't give him the attention, spot on Khabib 👏👏

[@fariasabir7978]

Even if they give me whole ufc done everything is done with him

[@ttsnlrt5770]

"I wanna be free because I'm the eagle I wanna fly"

[@ayou4525]

Number 1 pound for pound in the ufc a real role model humble man

[@ShinryuRQs]

I don't get why people don't like Brett, solid interview as always

[@mdrasheduzzaman5139]

I wanna be free because i am the eagle 🦅

[@Link00TMM]

I’m a sorcerer ya gotta let me contort!” - Dirty Eddie and the 10th planet boys

[@nme_mma]

One of my favourite quotes of his

[@theonethatquestions8928]

I am a huge fan of Khabib. As a person i admire him, him being this amazing figher is the just cherry on top. I had the pleasure of meeting him personalt and he really is this guy, humble, gentle, polite and respectful. Doesn't matter what happens in his next fight, this will stay.

[@fatalstriker1732]

Glad to see the full unedited interview. This is good.

[@clydesmith1855]

Khabib is the CHAMPION🇿🇦

[@politicallyapolitical7441]

He will lose this time

[@o2xb]

@@politicallyapolitical7441 what did you say singh bhai?

[@politicallyapolitical7441]

@@o2xb can't you read..??

[@nia9045]

@@politicallyapolitical7441 your comment didn’t age well

[@politicallyapolitical7441]

@@nia9045 well it's not me who was fighting with him else he would have lost 🤣🤣

[@SuveerMalhotra]

Tony's the type of guy to make weight for Khabib vs Gaethje !! 😂😂

[@abdulg4762]

Then completely tear every ligament in his knee stepping off the scale 😂😂😂

[@adamc4321]

yeah not sure about that anymore

[@ryanleewq]

Khabib: "Stoopeed guy"

[@pth6060]

That's why Tony looses fights, he wastes to much energy with all the BS.

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

I do love that Khabib is fighting because he has so much freaking money. He does not need to fight. He does it because of the challenge. I’m a McGregor fan but McGregor came back to fight cowboy Khabib comes back to fight one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. Big difference

[@ismaieladen4814]

Those two small black spots parallel to each other above khabib head is driving me crazy 😂 Keep rubbing my screen

[@NannupTiger]

yep 😞

[@Ritalie]

@Hoomy victim Yay!!!

[@bardia8225]

You know spots can't be parallel to each other right? only lines can be parallel.

[@cheegum6296]

@@bardia8225 no wayyyy! thank you we would've never known 😄

[@billygroves1257]

I was doing the same thing lol

[@ahmedNayeem1]

This is a old interview. Islam dropped, Umar dropped.:-)

[@danielmohave8280]

Yeah what's happening?

[@ahmedNayeem1]

@@danielmohave8280 I guess ESPN team forgot to hit upload button 😂

[@thecardtrickstudent3870]

They had uploaded a part of it (8 min 42 sec) a couple of days ago but this is probably the full interview

[@ismaieladen4814]

Islam didn't drop...RDA Dropped! That dude was ready to rock n roll

[@ahmedNayeem1]

@@ismaieladen4814 I meant fight was dropped

[@alex__2265]

I'm a Conor fan & almost always root for Gaejthe because of his style, personality but I can't root against Khabib. Especially after his dad passed around the same time my father passed away. Best of luck to him

[@kieranrawlins4863]

He’s fighting In His dads honour he’s dangerous anyways so good luck to any man who wants to try take that belt

[@aubreunbray5761]

Sorry to hear Alex, bless you brother

[@nia9045]

Brother im a khabib Fan and i hated Conors guts at ufc 229 but I’m sure that ufc pushed conor to do these things, to sell the fight sometimes I feel sorry for Conor especially how everyone was shitting on him after Dustin fight when he tried to be more respectful. Conor and khabib have the same problem bro they can’t make it right for people one way or another

[@BatGangLK]

13:05 Brett went Khabib mode

[@Sam-ng3of]

6:28 brutal honesty

[@danielduncan6370]

If someone can watch this and still not love this guy then you are insane!

[@ttsnlrt5770]

Why do you drop this full interview now man ? I mean things change everyday Some of his answer can be different if you ask these questions today

[@Krogrosen]

Exactly

[@mistaschaub3280]

Things are different now his brother isn't fighting

[@LeominsterFC]

No matter what anyone says Khabib is one of my favorite athletes of all time. Win or lose I’ve followed him for so long and am so proud of how he acts.

[@tasloki1704]

People seem to think gaethje was a wrsetler and now is a great striker and they dont say khabib is a better wrestler and he is a improved striker lets see brother khabib smesh gaethje standing and on ground

[@ismaelbouissef4436]

A lot of people Will shut Up their mouths and Accept the truth...khabib is from another league

[@aminbinsalim1995]

İnshaAllah

[@Mikehowarth1988]

khabibs stand up works because of the wrestling. If this was a kick boxing league khabib wouldn't be the champion.

[@spiritualtone3508]

mike howarth But it’s not it’s pure combat, When it comes to a all around fighting khabib in pound for pound the best!

[@ismaelbouissef4436]

@@Mikehowarth1988 we'll have to see then...maybe khabib Will surprise us...

[@mohdfaizmy]

Khabib is one of the fighter that we can study to improved ourself with his motivation speak and he is so honest with what he said..

[@mohdfaizmy]

One more thing after see this video couple time.. Looks like okamoto already had a feeling khabib will anounce his retired soon.. He keep asking khabib about retirement again and again.. Im sure no one relized it at that time.. But if you see this video after the fight you maybe realized it like what i see now 😁😁

[@mustseenow991]

Brett never asks the hard questions. Great company man

[@alex__2265]

Sucks Ariel is disliked by certain people. He really does get the most out of the interview. Gets alot of fighters to open up

[@dunkindoughnut167]

@@alex__2265 50% of the MMA community are just toxic to anyone or anything.

[@stewiegilligangriffin4904]

yeah man so?

[@mustseenow991]

@@alex__2265 exactly

[@mustseenow991]

even the schmo asks better questions

[@philipchan1856]

Khabib is very observant and analytical.

[@Shadow-kf2ko]

He said Tony won't be the same, and lose his next fight . And that's exactly what happened last night. Khabib "The predicter" Nurmagomedov

[@Rezzing]

KHABIB "THIS IS MY OPINION" NURMAGOMEDOV

[@jasinAmsterdam1976]

This is one of the best interviews ever!

[@Daithi_mk]

I don't think I've ever listened to a more authentic UFC fighter. Khabib is as real as they come.

[@fkrockerzz91]

20:30 some deep real things for human beings to ponder over

[@purpleowl999]

this was a very nice interview even if it was a little old. thanks

[@mmastatusquo3190]

Am glad his mind hasn't changed especially after what he went through

[@karim9117]

Tough men but Imagine if he loses saturday night it will be the worst year ever for a man. You lose your father then you lose what he wanted you to achieve, you lose your dream since you're kid. Even if you win the revenge you can't have your 0 back. I hope he will win like Always, if he's at 100% he will win for sure but if mentally is not here is dead against a guy like gaethje

[@SK-ns6sl]

Great job Brett 👍 Always like the wholesome friendly interviews you do, unlike some toxic interviewers who thrive on negativity

[@xof_mage5737]

Lot of wisdom and emotions in the second part of the interview. Good job Brett.

[@creekfinds]

Khabib: looks at camera Joker: Why so serious?

[@johnrashidi5531]

Use me as a khabib smesh this guy button 🦅 👑👑

[@dunkindoughnut167]

No

[@scuzzhead]

Use me as a Justin will take this mans soul from his body button.

[@squadron2163]

Great interview. Brett Okamoto doing his thing

[@yanchand3603]

Very intimate interview....great job Breet 👍

[@beistnix]

Your father was a great gentleman and you to my brother ...

[@shanetaylor6823]

Another quiet interview by espn. Billion dollar company that doesn't understand audio volume.

[@Shadow-kf2ko]

14:00 - 14:40 . You proved everything you've ever said. Enjoy retirement GOAT 🦅

[@AasifKhan1]

Khabib "it's like" Nurmagomedov

[@tbclalnunzira8915]

Not a good joke buddy.,khabib can't speak a word when he started his ufc career but now we know his achievement and improvement in speaking english.,

[@amadeuschavez.]

People are so sensative lol

[@ImranKhan-gs2hy]

Khabib's such a real, deeply honest guy. Crazy down to earth and humble despite his fame and wealth.

[@kennysoul8454]

Gotta love this guy

[@khaire6661]

Khabib time, that was dope interview

[@5hdwkn632]

Great interview. Good 2 hear him lil more candid n not dealin w/ cut

[@matt-cs8wb]

Such a honest man💯

[@Eric-uh7nl]

Can't wait to see him go 29-0 this saturday.

[@Jayzan-mt4gl]

Idk.. Justin is really good at wrestling and I don't think khabib will be able to keep him down long enough to submit him.. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@lakesification]

Why sit on this interview until now?

[@muhammadumar4171]

Man! Khabib is such a righteous and pious follower of islam. His mindset inspires me. No money no fame. Just wanna showcase his skills and let the world know he is the best and then spend his rest of the life helping people and serving humanity. That's Islam for you. Its a religion of peace and love. Helping others is the number one thing Islam teaches us. Salute to you khabib. I don't see him getting beat at all. His will and belief is unbreakable. Justin is a good fighter but khabib is just a special human being. A great representative of Islam and I am proud of how khabib carries himself. It's gonna be a great fight. Can't wait! InshaAllah 29-0.

[@LosPhoenix]

Khabib is a great human.

[@MB-sh3dz]

Al Iaquinta is a good wrestler, Mcgregor has fantastic takedown defense, Dustin is a BJJ black belt but it does not matter. Khabib is just that good

[@mustangx]

Respect to khabib

[@ariandeshmeh1599]

And still :)

[@nme_mma]

King Khabib 👑 LONG LIVE THE KING ❤ LIVING LEGEND

[@salmannabiji7898]

Soon 29 - 0 Fight Of The Year

[@putrariskiadi1906]

Khabib is the best 👍 Alhamdulillah

[@bennyg9782]

Punch punch kick punch punch punch kick - Khabib 2020

[@pv4240a]

my fav athlete

[@dunkindoughnut167]

Is it just me or does Khabib really look like Niko Bellic here?

[@petersepulvedajr5786]

Isn’t this old ?

[@AasifKhan1]

18 days old

[@JaySingh-cq2hp]

Its fight week! Check out my ufc 254 predictions. I think khabib is going to absolutely maul gaethje this saturday. Welcome to the greatest mma channel on the planet. I also do fight highlight videos.

[@kenjohn12]

Yeah its at least 2 weeks old

[@deanconnor5528]

@@JaySingh-cq2hp as a mma channel.. that's basically ur own type of journalism whether u see it that way or not.. u shouldn't side with fighters let ur viewers decide for themselfs.. that way u get support for ur channel from both sides.

[@JaySingh-cq2hp]

@@deanconnor5528 Well Khabib made quick work of gaethje. I was totally right. They call me mystic jay. I get it right every time.

[@saj1dsal33m]

Good interview

[@Shshkh976]

Brutal honest man❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Shadow-kf2ko]

Khabib "What we can do" Nurmagomedov

[@anasshahid224]

Khabib is the best 😃

[@nadirshax199]

Let's go champ!✊🦅🦅🦅🥇🏆2️⃣9️⃣➖0️⃣

[@Dukeoden7458]

Let’s goo Champ

[@theworldking4777]

Khabib is the greatest of all time

[@priyavassarker8070]

He's a man's man

[@revolutionoutdoorsandstuff5846]

Have to respect the man

[@finchaplin]

Khabib is just so confident. He said 'this guy is not on my level' in press conf prior his fight with Poirier, not that type of talk with Justin, still very confident.

[@cesarm.3656]

Took a long sigh there. Can't wait till Saturday. Gonna be a great fight.

[@joebotz1243]

Fix your audio ESPN it's embarrassing for you

[@Tommybonescombat]

Khabib has a moustache here, looks kinda badass.

[@bambilackner]

ppl keep saying khabibs afraid to fight connor again,and dc said he talked w/ khabib and khabib said he doesn't want to go through what he went through last time it was really hard on him with what Connor said about his father, religion,and ppl, I understand that who wants to go throughthat . twice

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Gonna be fireworks on saturday. I hope Khabib has had a great and healthy training camp, same goes with Justin as well. I don't think the fight goes more than 2-3 rounds...

[@Chessete]

Never understand why they don't just release the full convo right from the start

[@emtconnors]

15:10 did khabib just give Tony his strategy when they fight 😲😲😲

[@danapink2503]

Doesnt matter khabib wins anyways

[@bz829]

" 12:20 - 14:42 G words from the P4P #1"

[@COLEink1511]

Everyone is saying Justin this and Justin that, but completely forget what Khabib did to Poirier; who ko'ed Gatjhe

[@ABWriting]

Man, that prediction about Tony was spot on.

[@WUpodcast]

Quality x

[@madmartigan3921]

Very interesting, first time his training camp's not in San Jose science 2012.

[@clumsykoala6824]

Mashallah he said they gonna plan for footwork nd inside th gage nd thats wt reall happen nd he did wt really he will do with that extreme pressure that make justin short of breath on first break...wt a man nd justin thnks for ur class much apprecitaion

[@zipzap1662]

JUSTIN "i wrestler my whole life" GAETHJE

[@magalife4521]

Khbib is right

[@magalife4521]

He is one of the best

[@aghader8751]

💯

[@AasifKhan1]

Remember Whom okemoto interviews Win for sure....

[@dunkindoughnut167]

Okamoto looks like the douchey guy who dies a bad death in a horror movie.

[@shanetaylor6823]

He's interviewed gaethje too 😂

[@alex__2265]

How crazy would it be if Gaejthe came out & took down khabib. No one really knows how Khabib looks off his back.

[@KingKing-tz6of]

Khabib 🤟

[@Sourcepowa]

29-0 🦅🐻

[@arekczupa]

Im a fan of Justin but Khabib just make me like him more and more such a down to earth guy

[@azamat_bagatov69]

29:29 I guess Khabib finally got his wish...it wasn't even about 30-0...God bless.

[@GatLaFlare]

This Khabib guy seems like he knows what he's talking about. He should try fighting!

[@MuslehFaiz]

For sure! He's talking big, why doesn't he just go out there and do it tho???

[@jacobwahlberg8429]

Brett is slowly stealing Ariel's life.

[@arthur38379]

Brett is way more like able too

[@saha5962]

Ariel can’t interview Abdelaziz managed fighters

[@darkmagician1710]

@@arthur38379 in some ways but Ariel is a better overall interviewer

[@moududahmed2757]

Brett is professional and is straightforward.

[@CtheG420]

Ariel is the goat interviewer, Brett is good, but nothing compared to Ariel. Only if Dana would bring him back

[@JC-qi5xc]

This guy is very smart.