Jon Jones Warns Khabib Nurmagomedov Not to Underestimate ‘Athlete’ Conor McGregor

Arguably the biggest match up in MMA history takes place at UFC 229 in October, when current lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov takes on Irish superstar Conor McGregor for the undisputed 155-pound belt.

While the history between both fighters is well documented, the actual match itself is quite intriguing, as it pits the world class grappling of Nurmagomedov against one of the most deceptive strikers in the game in McGregor.

Success in this fight will depend on where the fight goes ,as both fighters have clear advantages in their arsenal.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was interviewed on “Allow Me to Interrupt” in Russia and was asked for his thoughts on the undefeated Nurmagomedov and where his perceived weaknesses may lie.

Jones has a history of adapting his style to his opponent’s strengths and on many occasions has directly attacked his challenger’s greatest attributes. For example, he wrestled former Olympian Daniel Cormier in 2015 and stood and exchanged with Kempo black belt Glover Teixeira in 2014.

“I think Khabib, his boxing defense is not the strongest,” Jones said. “I also don’t understand why he doesn’t work a lot of jiu-jitsu. If you can take down anybody, why not know how to finish them?

“He depends on ground-and-pound and he never finishes anyone with that. Khabib’s a black belt wrestler. If he adds a black belt in jiu-jitsu to his recipe, he’d be extremely scary.”

Jones warned Nurmagomedov not to underestimate the wrestling and ground abilities of the Irishman despite the fact “The Notorious” clearly prefers to stand and exchange.

“I believe that Conor McGregor has wrestling,” Jones said. “I don’t think it’s at the level of Khabib. I believe Khabib will get the majority of his takedowns that he goes for but Conor, he’s an athlete.

“He shouldn’t be underestimated.”