Usman Nurmagomedov chuckles when requested what his cousin Khabib mentioned to him after his hard-fought win over Paul Hughes this month.
Nurmagomedov retained his PFL lightweight world title in opposition to the Irishman in Dubai, however Khabib, who was in his nook, might be heard screaming on the Russian throughout some contentious moments within the combat.
Nurmagomedov says he’s again within the gymnasium regardless of having fun with just one week of relaxation after the combat – on Khabib’s orders.
“At first he was so comfortable and congratulated me,” Usman tells BBC Sport.
“However then he mentioned ‘You need to be beginning coaching. As a result of we do not have time for stopping and chilling. We’re right here to work’.
“I mentioned ‘OK, brother. Give me one week’. He mentioned ‘OK, one week’.”
Former UFC light-weight champion Khabib turned to teaching after retiring undefeated in 2020 with 29 wins from 29 fights.
Nurmagomedov’s victory was his second over Hughes after a narrow win in January, however the judges’ scorecards didn’t mirror a detailed battle – they scored it 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47.
“My opinion: I received each spherical; I took him down in each spherical. I threw my jab very nicely. And if he solely did a few photographs, I did greater than him,” mentioned Nurmagomedov.
“For my part there was no 50-45. It was like 48-46 or 48-47.
“Individuals can discuss. I do not care what individuals take into consideration me or my combat. The individuals who perceive the combat, they know this was excessive degree.”
