Khabib Nurmagomedov Steps Up for Kamaru Usman in New UFC Series

Fight fans, rejoice! A new UFC series on Roku is giving us a glimpse behind the curtain, with never-before-seen footage of the decision-making process that goes into making epic fights. 

This three-part series dropped on Friday and has been dropping exclusive gems, like Jon Jones getting the lowdown on his injury before UFC 295 and the tense moments leading up to Aljamain Sterling accepting his fight against Sean O’Malley.

In one particularly interesting clip, UFC CEO Dana White and his team are strategizing for a fight card in Abu Dhabi. The question on the table: who should undefeated welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov fight next?

After brainstorming, Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight champion, emerges as a potential opponent. UFC brass is immediately on board, and they reach out to Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who surprisingly proposes a different matchup – Usman vs. Stephen Thompson, a former title challenger.

The UFC was looking to book a fight for Shavkat Rakhmonov, a rising welterweight contender. While Jack Della Maddalena was eager to take on any opponent to climb the ranks quickly, Kevin Holland reportedly declined the challenge to face the dangerous Rakhmonov.

With Kamaru Usman, the then-welterweight champion, still recovering, the idea of a dream matchup between Usman and Rakhmonov was floated.

However, Usman’s manager surprised everyone by expressing his fighter’s preference for a rematch with Stephen Thompson, who Thompson had just beaten and who was on a losing streak. This unexpected turn of events left the UFC searching for a new opponent for Rakhmonov. 

White is caught off guard, but things take a turn when he clarifies that the winner of Usman vs. Rakhmonov would get a shot at the title. That’s when Khabib Nurmagomedov, the retired lightweight champion who happens to be present, steps in and accepts the fight for Usman!

This is a rare moment of behind-the-scenes influence from Khabib that fight fans wouldn’t normally get to see.

So, if you’re looking for a new way to experience the UFC, this Roku series is a must-watch. It’s not just about the fights themselves, but the strategy, the unexpected twists, and the unseen forces that shape the matchups we love.