Khabib is a 'different level' to Oliveira, claims Usman

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a ‘different level’ to Charles Oliveira and fans ‘truly know what would happen in that fight’ if Dagestani came out of retirement, claims Kamaru Usman

  • Charles Oliveira showed his class and heart by beating Michael Chandler  
  • He claimed title vacated by Khabib Nurmagomedov in UFC 262 showdown  
  • Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman still thinks Khabib would hammer him 
  • Retired former champ has ‘different level’ to go to, according to Usman

Kamaru Usman is convinced that Khabib Nurmagomedov would dominate the new lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.

Oliveira came through adversity to defeat Michael Chandler with a TKO in their UFC 262 main event last weekend. 

It was the Brazilian’s ninth win in a row and there’s no doubt he is fully deserving of his status as champion. 


Charles Oliveira (left) claimed the title that Khabib Nurmagomedov (right) vacated by retiring 

Kamaru Usman, UFC welterweight champion, believes Khabib is levels above Oliveira

There are always question marks about the new man on the throne when the previous champion vacates the belt. 

And Usman believes Khabib will have been watching on with interest to see who succeeded him as the new 155-pound supremo. 

But he does not believe the Russian will be tempted to come out of retirement at 29-0 to claim back what was previously his, despite having the ability to dominate Oliveira. 

The welterweight champion told TMZ: ‘I guess for fans maybe (it would be an interesting matchup). 

‘For the ones who truly know, (they) know what would happen in that fight. And yeah definitely, I think Khabib did watch the fight. Was he intrigued and thinking, “Hey I want to get back in there?” Probably not. 

‘He’s a man that’s happy. He’s happy with his life. He’s happy with the direction that it’s gone, and yeah, I think he’s retired.

Usman added: ‘More power to Charles Oliveira. I’m impressed by him and I’m a fan of what he’s been able to do in his career. But I just think there are levels to the game and I think Khabib is a different level.’

Perhaps it will be a different story if Oliveira manages to string a number of title defences together. 

One of the many reasons Khabib decided to walk away was that he had already disposed of his top contenders. He has never locked horns with Oliveira and the longer the Brazilian reigns the more clamour there will be to see Khabib return.  

Victory over Justin Gaethje was one of Khabib’s best displays and proved to be his last one




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