Christian Lee says Khabib Nurmagomedov protege is due for a title shot

Two-division world champion Christian Lee has an opponent in mind for his next world title defense and it’s none other than Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege, Saygid Izagakhmaev.

Last November, Lee shocked the MMA community by delivering an upset victory against former welterweight king Kiamrian Abbasov. As the owner of two belts now, ‘The Warrior’ doubled the number of potential opponents who are after his belts.

In light of ONE Championship’s recent announcement of its U.S. on-ground debut, Christian Lee desires nothing more than to represent his home country in his natural weight class against one of Khabib’s famed trainees.

The Evolve MMA representative told ONE:

“Man, if I’m on that card, my plan was to defend my lightweight belt, so I’ll do it against Saygid. I’m sure that I’ve heard he wants the title shot. I’m sure he’d be more than willing to take that fight. Doesn’t matter who they throw at me, but in my mind I see that as the next fight.”

Prior to facing Abbasov, Christian Lee avenged a controversial decision loss against Ok Rae Yoon at ONE 160 this past August. In reclaiming the belt in brutal fashion, ‘The Warrior’ once again put the lightweight division on notice.

Unfazed by Lee’s legendary status in ONE Championship, Saygid Izagakhmaev believes it’s only a matter of time before he breaks.

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Christian Lee sets preference aside and will take whatever fight ONE Championship throws at him

Despite Saygid Izagakhmaev being Christian Lee’s number one choice, at the end of the day, the decision to make the fight is not in his hands.

Many fans would agree with Lee and say Izagakhmaev is the next guy in line to the throne. The 28-year-old wrestler is popular amongst the Nurmagomedov MMA community, boasting a stellar record of 22 wins and 2 loses in his career thus far.

Furthermore, his status as Khabib’s protege is also not lost on fans. Nurmagomedov is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound mixed martial artists of his generation, so when he vouches for someone like Izagakhmaev, you know the kid is the real deal.

Pulling off an incredible win over MMA legend Shinya Aoki at ONE on Prime Video 4: Abbasov vs. Lee, the Dagestani fighter punched his ticket for a shot at the world title.

Whether Christian Lee stays at lightweight or not, it’s up to the matchmakers to decide what route is best.

In the same interview, Lee added:

“[Saygid’s] definitely a clear contender in the lightweight division right now. I don’t see anyone else with the kind of momentum that he has. For me, I try not to play matchmaker too much. I just go in there and do my job, so whoever they throw at me, I’m ready.”