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  • VIDEO: Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's old training footage exposes what Kamaru Usman could've done better against Leon Edwards
Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards (left) Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (right) [Image courtesy @RiehmannC on Twitter]

VIDEO: Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's old training footage exposes what Kamaru Usman could've done better against Leon Edwards

Kamaru Usman is often touted as one of the best wrestlers in the UFC. However, his wrestling failed him in his recent welterweight title rematch against Leon Edwards at UFC 286.

This past weekend at The O2 arena in London, 'Rocky' freqeuntly used the cage to posture back up to his feet. What could the former champ have done differently to tackle such a tactic? A resurfaced old video of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov gives the answer.

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In the footage, lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov's late father can be seen teaching his class how to take down an opponent who is pressed up against the octagon wall.

Abdulmanap uses a blend of judo throws and wrestling techniques to meticulously demonstrate the takedown technique.

According to him, neutralizing the opponent's ability to throw punches or knees in the clinch is one of the first steps towards setting up a takedown from near the fence.

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Abdelmanap had an entire system on how to deal with an opponent against the cage. That beautiful blend of judo and wrestling adapted to MMA. It was frustrating seeing Kamaru deal with Leon against the cage. With all respect to Trevor,not the right camp for elite grappling rounds.

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is widely considered one of the best MMA coaches of this generation. His son Khabib is regarded by many as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.

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Another star pupil of the late combat sambo coach, Islam Makahachev, is the reigning UFC lightweight champion.

At UFC 286, after five grueling rounds, the official scorecards granted a majority decision win to Edwards. The event marked Usman's second loss in the UFC. Interestingly, both of 'The Nigerian Nightmare's' losses in the premier promotion have come against 'Rocky'.


Kamaru Usman plans to fight Leon Edwards again

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Two back-to-back losses against Leon Edwards have not broken Kamaru Usman's spirit. In fact, the former welterweight champion wants to fight 'Rocky' again in the future.

During his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' praised the Brit for his impeccable performance while also predicting that it was far from their last dance in the octagon:

"I knew it was a close fight but you know, great game plan, great game plan. You know, I've always said it from the start, I knew I'd see Leon again and we did it. I'm not done, I'll see him again... London, you got yourself a hell of a guy, a great champion."

Catch Kamaru Usman's comments below:

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Edited by
Harvey Leonard
 
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