Khabib Nurmagomedov: If an agreement with UFC is reached, I’m ready to conduct a bout in Tashkent

SPORT 16:03 / 23.11.2019 1637

UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov expressed an interest in holding one of his fights in Uzbekistan.

On November 23, the GFC-20 tournament (MMA) will be held at the Humo Arena complex for the first time in Uzbekistan. Within the framework of the tournament, 24 fighters will compete for championship, holding 12 bouts. 

Athletes from Uzbekistan, in particular Nursulton Ruziboyev, Amin Ergashev, Muzaffar Rajabov, Jamshid Rakhmonaliyev, Akhliddin Mirzadavlatov, Jakhongir Jumayev and Avliyokhon Khamidov will participate in the tournament. The central match of the event will be the bout between Umar Nurmagomedov and Brian Gonzalez.

Prior to the tournament, on November 22, a press conference was held at the Palace of International Forums. The president of Uzbekistan’s MMA Association Otabek Umarov, the honorary guest of the tournament Khabib Nurmagomedov, his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov took part in it.

“I thank the leaders of the organization for agreeing to hold the GFC-20 tournament in Tashkent. This is just the beginning. In the future, we have planned to hold even greater competitions in the capital and in the regions. We have also planned to invite world-class trainers for the MMA development in Uzbekistan,” Otabek Umarov said.

Khabib Nurmagomedov noted that holding this tournament in Uzbekistan will serve as a springboard for Uzbek athletes.

“I do not mind holding a fight in Uzbekistan. Humo Arena is suitable for conducting UFC fights. If the MMA Federation of Uzbekistan can make a deal with the UFC, then I would be happy to conduct a bout here,” the lightweight champion said.

The head coach of the mixed martial arts team of Uzbekistan Sunnat Ilyosov said that Uzbek athletes are fully prepared for the upcoming tournament. 

It should be recalled that the event will be held on November 23 at the Humo Arena complex. It starts at 18:00.

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