UFC middleweight says he is "blessed" to train with Khabib Nurmagomedov since moving to Las Vegas

Khabib Nurmagomedov has had a smooth transition into coaching following his retirement from mixed martial arts. Edmen Shahbazyan, who recently began training with the UFC Hall of Famer, opened up on the experience.

Speaking to The Schmo, the unranked middleweight first discussed his preparations for UFC 282, stating:

"The guys have been helping me prepare really good, been putting in good hours in the gym. The UFC PI staff, Xtreme staff, my coaches, Dewey Cooper, Jason Manly, my manager Ali. They've all helped me get to where I'm at today and helped me out with the move to Vegas and I'm appreciative of them all."

When asked about how it was to train with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Shahbazyan added:

"Anytime Khabib come here, it's always awesome working with them. I'm blessed to be a part of-- when they come down here, and if I'm able to come in, I'm blessed to be a part of it. They're just hard workers and put it in the hours and it's just pure hard work. That's all I can say. It's pure hard work and a grind and I'm just thankful for all of them."

Shahbazyan will face Dalcha Lungiambula on the preliminary card of UFC 282. After starting his career at 11-0, Shahbazyan has lost his last three fights and will be looking to get back in the win column.

Watch Edmen Shahbazyan discuss training with Khabib Nurmagomedov below (starting at the 1:28 mark):

Ariel Helwani casts doubt on Khabib Nurmagomedov's status as MMA GOAT

There are plenty of arguments to be made for who the greatest mixed martial artist of all time is. While Khabib Nurmagomedov is usually near the top of most lists, Ariel Helwani shared that he doesn't believe the UFC Hall of Famer's resume stacks up against others in the conversation.

Speaking on his podcast, The MMA Hour, Helwani stated:

"If you even think that his current GOAT status given his current record isn't debatable, you're also insane. Only three title defenses, you're all out of your minds... If everyone is available, you cannot compare his resume to Jon Jones' resume, you can't. You can't compare what he did to what Anderson Silva did, you cannot. You can't compare what he did to Georges St-Pierre, you can't compare it to even DC."

While Khabib may not have had the same longevity as the fighters listed by Helwani, his peak run was legendary. The undefeated former UFC lightweight champion has only lost two rounds in his entire mixed martial arts career.

Watch Ariel Helwani discuss Khabib Nurmagomedov's case for the greatest of all time below:

Is Khabib Nurmagomedov the GOAT?

"You are all out of your minds!
...you cannot compare his resume to Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, & even to Daniel Cormier"

@arielhelwani https://t.co/aR8zFRIalt