KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV is backing Amir Khan in his grudge match with Kell Brook – but expects a ‘close fight’.
The 35-year-old welterweight rivals finally put their reputations and bragging rights on the line, this Saturday in Manchester.
Khan and Khabib – both hugely popular fighters in the Middle East – have formed a friendship in the past.
So the retired UFC legend will be rooting for his pal in the pay-per-view clash, but knows it will not be easy.
Khabib, 33, told Sky Sports: “I’m gonna watch. I like boxing, I love boxing. I was watching like boxing, like all big fights I watch live.
“I know he [Khan] has a tough opponent. And I was like, I don’t think like Amir Khan right now is in his prime time.
“But it’s going to be a close fight. My opinion is it’s going to be a close fight, a very close fight.
“He has a tough opponent, but he can beat him, but I think it’s going to be very close fight.”
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Khabib retired from the UFC in 2020 after beating Justin Gaethje, 33, in what was his first fight after losing his influential father Abdulmanap.
The Russian refused to return without his mentor and coach, even rejecting a $100million boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, 44.
Khabib remains a fight fan and has even launched his own MMA promotion, Eagle Fighting Championship.
But well as boxing, Nurmagomedov is a keen football supporter and recently visited Manchester United.
Now one of his top priorities is convincing good friend Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, to remain at Old Trafford for next season.
Khabib joked: “He became 37 years old, this is not his best age but even how he plays, I think affect his whole team.
“His energy, his experience, his advice. They have a very good, strong, young team.
“Next year I feel they will do a very good job, right now so many new players they don’t connect well.
“I think next year Manchester United are going to be big problem for all clubs. I’m going to talk with him.”
