Khabib Nurmagomedov's manager makes bold prediction about Kayla Harrison's UFC future in six-word message

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kayla Harrison share the same MMA manager, who's now weighed in with a bold prediction for Harrison's UFC future. The veteran manager seemingly foresees Harrison becoming a UFC champion in the 2025 calendar year.

Harrison has long been considered a distinguished combat sportsperson. She won gold medals in the 78 kg category in the sport of Judo at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Akin to her roommate -- MMA legend, Olympic bronze medalist Judoka, and ex-UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey -- Harrison too transitioned from Judo to the sport of MMA.

The American combatant won the PFL lightweight women's tournament twice and is hailed for having been the face of that MMA organization for several years. Kayla Harrison made her UFC debut at bantamweight earlier this year, submitting the legendary Holly Holm at UFC 300 in April. She then outpointed Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 in October, which many believe has earned her a title shot.

Also, at UFC 307, Julianna Pena secured a split decision victory to dethrone Raquel Pennington and reclaim the UFC women's bantamweight title. Many fans and experts disagreed with the judges' verdict, highlighting that Pennington had done more than enough to warrant a win on the scorecards. Regardless, Pena is the reigning bantamweight champion.

Pena, who's long been at odds with Kayla Harrison, has been campaigning for a trilogy fight against former UFC women's bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes next. Nunes retired from MMA in 2023 but teased a comeback this year. However, some believe 'The Lioness' is unlikely to return.

Considering the variables at play, the consensus is that the 34-year-old Kayla Harrison will be the one who fights Julianna Pena for the UFC women's bantamweight championship next.

Heading into the New Year, Dominance MMA Management's Ali Abdelaziz has taken to X to predict that his superstar client, Harrison, will hold UFC gold in 2025. Abdelaziz, who's long managed fighters like ex-UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and current UFC lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev, tweeted:

"2025 @KaylaH will be @ufc CHAMPION"

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Ali Abdelaziz compared Kayla Harrison to UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov competed just once after his father and mentor Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's passing in July 2020. Beheld as one of the best MMA fighters ever, Khabib submitted Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unifier in October 2020. 'The Eagle' then retired from MMA, citing that his mother didn't want him to continue competing without his father by his side.

Ali Abdelaziz is still known to share a close bond with and feature in social media content alongside Khabib. The latter still trains and helps his relatives and friends with their fight camps. Incidentally, Abdelaziz notably drew parallels between Khabib's and Kayla Harrison's MMA greatness in April 2024.

Following Harrison's terrifyingly dominant UFC debut, Abdelaziz jibed at the former's rivals like Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena. He further opined that Amanda Nunes, who'd long been linked to a possible fight against Harrison wouldn't return to the octagon. Opining that akin to Khabib, Harrison (18-1 MMA) would be the most avoided opponent, he tweeted:

"Where is Raquel, Julianna everyone was talking about demise of @KaylaH 2024 she will be the most avoided Fighter, reminds me of Khabib before become champion. Amanda never gonna come back don't get too excited."