“I wouldn't want to mess with Khabib” - Johan Ghazali recalls meeting MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov can be fun to hang around with but not someone Johan Ghazali suggests messing with. Last year, the 18-year-old phenom had the opportunity to meet 'The Eagle' while attending a live event featuring the MMA Hall of Famer in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

Offering some insight into his meeting with one of the greatest fighters of all time, Ghazali described the Dagestani as funny and serious. But in any event, Nurmagomdeov is not the kind of guy you'd want to push your luck with.

"Khabib did not [joke around]," Ghazali said of his meeting with Nurmagomdeov at the ONE 170 virtual press conference. "He's a funny guy, but a very serious guy. I don't know how to explain but yeah, he's a very serious guy but I wouldn't want to mess with Khabib."

Later this month, 'Jojo' will return to martial arts' biggest global stage at ONE 170 to continue his climb toward greatness in 'the art of eight limbs.'

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Johan Ghazali looks to hand Johan Estupinan the first loss of his career at ONE 170

Thus far, Johan Ghazali has looked nothing short of spectacular, scoring highlight-reel knockouts against Padetsuk Fairtex, Tai Sor Jor Piek Uthai, Temirlan Bekmurzaev, Edgar Tabares, and most recently, Josue Cruz.

Even in his lone loss under the ONE banner against Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat in June, 'Jojo' showed significant growth and quickly bounced back with a stellar showing against the aforementioned Cruz.

Next, Ghazali will look to hand undefeated Colombian standout Johan Estupinan his first career loss when the two highly-touted prospects go toe-to-toe at ONE 170 on Friday, Jan. 24 inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II will air live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Jan. 24 in U.S. primetime.