Polish power isn’t just for striking anymore.
That’s according to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was backstage at UFC 259 as part of the coaching team for 155-pound standout Islam Makhachev. “The Eagle” just so happened to be lurking by the curtain when Jan Blachowicz defeated Israel Adesanya to retain his 205-pound title.
“It was a great fight, great takedown,” Nurmagomedov told Blachowicz. “You know why you win? Two takedowns. Takedown is wrestling. Wrestling is power.”
Nurmagomedov set a UFC record for takedowns against a four-time NAIA All-American, so I think it’s safe to say the Dagestani grappler — who may or may not be retired from competition — is something of an expert.
Watch the clip in its entirety from the UFC 259 “Thrill & Agony” video below:
For much more on Blachowicz’s victory over Adesanya, as well as championship wins for Amanda Nunes and Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259, click here.