When US Olympic Judo coach said Kayla Harrison would beat Khabib Nurmagomedov
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Despite both fighters sharing immense skills in their respective Judo and Sambo practices, fans are sure to be surprised to learn that a United States Olympic coach had previously picked now UFC bantamweight contender, Kayla Harrison to beat former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov in a grappling showdown.
Harrison, a former two-time Olympic gold medal winner in Judo, as well as a two-time PFL lightweight tournament winner, is set to make his sophomore outing under the banner of the UFC in October, taking on perennial Brazilian contender, Ketlen Vieira in a title eliminator in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Making his long-anticipated bow in the promotion on the preliminary card of the massive UFC 300 event back in April, Kayla Harrison landed in the organization with aplomb, courtesy of a dominant second round rear-naked choke win over former champion, Holly Holm in a bantamweight bow.
Coach picks Kayla Harrison to topple Khabib Nurmagomedov in grappling match
And given her expertise in grappling and wrestling, Ohio native, Kayla Harrison was once backed as a severe threat to the ability of the above-mentioned, Nurmagomedov — by a renowned Judo head coach.
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“I’d put my money on Kayla (Harrison) unless he’s (Khabib Nurmagomedov) at a really high level of Judo,” Jimmy Pedro told Lex Fridman during a podcast appearance. “If he’s not at that level of JUdo, a brown belt or not a high-level Judo player, she will win.”
Nurmagomedov, a former undisputed lightweight champion in the promotion, also scooped an induction into the Fighter Wing of their Hall of Fame following his retirement back in 2021.
Scoring a perfect 29-0 professional record across mixed martial arts, Nurmagomedov would bow out of combat sports following a dominant second round triangle choke submission win over former interim gold holder, Justin Gaethje that same year.
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The victory came as Dagestan native, Nurmagomedov’s third as undisputed champion, following prior submission wins over both former titleholders, Conor McGregor, and Dustin Poirier.