“I know how dedicated he is” - Khabib Nurmagomedov says Saygid Izagakhmaev has gotten better every year

ONE Championship athlete Saygid Izagakhmaev has been training alongside MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov for his entire life. Along the way, the Dagestani-born athlete has impressed 'The Eagle' with his constantly improving skills.

Khabib Nurmagomedov recently sat down with ONE Championship to discuss his dangerous protege, Saygid Izagakhmaev. Nurmagomedov explained:

"I’ve been training with Saygid my whole life. I know how much he improves every year. I know how dedicated he is."

Russia's Izagakhmaev will be fighting former ONE lightweight world champion Shinya Aoki at ONE 163 on November 19. Nurmagomedov's protege is on an exceptional win streak and will be looking to move his name into the world title picture with an outstanding performance this weekend.

Standing against him will be Aoki, a Japanese MMA legend with nearly 20 years of professional experience against the division's top athletes. Aoki has a black belt in both jiu-jitsu and judo, plus he has over 50 bouts to his name.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about Saygid Izagakhmaev's dangerous dedication

'The Eagle' Khabib Nurmagomedov explained that Saygid Izagakhmaev continues to improve year after year due to his incredible dedication in the gym.

The former UFC lightweight champion told ONE:

"I know how dedicated he is. He’s getting physically stronger and stronger. He’s getting more and more experienced from fight to fight and soon, he’s going to be the best – not only in our team, but in the world. I have a lot of faith in him.”

No one thus far in ONE Championship has been able to stop Izagakhmaev, which is a frightening prospect given that he is only getting better with time.

The Russian behemoth is ranked in the top five in ONE's lightweight division. With an impressive win against Aoki at ONE 163 on November 19, he will be looking for a shot at the lightweight throne against 'The Warrior' Christian Lee.

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that it will soon be time for Saygid Izagakhmaev to challenge for the ONE lightweight world championship:

“There’s a very good chance that early next year, in the first half of 2023, Saygid will fight for the title ... If Saygid knocks him out or finishes him on the ground, I think he should have his next fight for the title.”