MMA News Roundup: BJJ great claims he makes more than UFC champs, Paulo Costa blames UFC for nixed bout, Khabib predicts 6 title defenses for teammate
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about a Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion claiming he makes more money than the MMA's top fighters, Khabib Nurmagomedov speculating about Islam Makhachev's title reign, and more.
#3. BJJ champ Gordon Ryan claims he making more money than most UFC titleholders
It's safe to say that Gordon Ryan won't be putting his god-like Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills to the test inside an MMA cage. That's because Ryan claimed that he's already making more money than most UFC champions "without getting punched in the head."
In an interview with Ariel Helwani on a recent edition of The MMA Hour, Ryan was asked about his thoughts on potentially transitioning into MMA at some point. The legendary grappler replied:
"Now, I don't have to leave [jiu-jitsu]. I make more money than most UFC champions and there's no reason for me to go get punched in the head every day and then have to fight... I'm like the [Floyd] Mayweather or [Conor] McGregor of jiu-jitsu."
Check out the interview below:
#2. Paulo Costa blames UFC for cancelation of Robert Whittaker fight
Paulo Costa vs. Robert Whittaker is off the UFC 284 card.
The Brazilian was seemingly set to take on the former middleweight champ in Australia. But with the bout falling through, Costa took to social media to blame the company for the cancelation:
"Great fights is going down due to lack of negotiation skills, they should stop being petty."
Catch Paulo Costa's tweet below:
🥤
Great fights is going down due to lack of negotiation skills, they should stop being petty 👍🥤 https://t.co/uAfFLnTOdN
#1. Khabib Nurmagomedov predicts 6 title defenses for Islam Makhachev
There is no bigger believer in Islam Makhachev than his lifelong training partner and friend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
However, the former undefeated lightweight champ admitted that he doesn't think his acolyte will be able to defend the belt more than six times. When asked about Makhachev's future in an interview with Red Corner MMA, Nurmagomedov said:
"I think he needs at least five. Maybe six. That would be ideal. Six defenses, that’s six fights and three years. Then it’s possible that the sport leaves him because nobody can stay on top forever. The way the Almighty created a man, he first becomes strong then weak. He’s young then he’s old. Knowing that, the goal is five-six defenses.”
Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below: