MMA News Today: Musk's Training Request Turned Down By Khabib, Chandler Names His Top 5 Most Exciting Current UFC Fighters, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For August 16, 2023, we’re taking a look at:

• Elon Musk Reached Out To Khabib Nurmagomedov For Training But Was Turned Down
• Michael Chandler Names His Top 5 Most Exciting Current UFC Fighters
• Chris Weidman Explains How Devastating Leg Break Was A ‘Blessing In Disguise’ Ahead Of UFC 292 Return

Elon Musk Reached Out To Khabib Nurmagomedov For Training But Was Turned Down

Through their updates on social media, it now appears that Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg won’t be happening with both men claiming different reasons why the contest has fallen apart. 

Over the last month, they had both appeared to be taking the potential fight seriously, arranging the plans and getting some training in with the best coaches and fighters in the world. 

During a recent episode of his podcast, AKA head coach Javier Mendez revealed that Musk went as far as to message the former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

Whilst “The Eagle” is still in the gym with the fighters at AKA, he has distanced himself from the limelight by no longer appearing in their corners at the fights.

On the podcast, Mendez revealed that Nurmagomedov turned down the call to arms from Musk due to his core principles.

“I’d watch it, I know I’m looking at a train wreck but I’d watch it. Also, Khabib was actually asked to train with Elon and Khabib had to decline because of his particular beliefs and you know, he’s as loyal as loyal comes. With Khabib, it’s never about prestige, never about money. It’s about honour and loyalty and doing the right thing for him and his family, his country, his religion”    

Michael Chandler Names His Top 5 Most Exciting Current UFC Fighters

Since arriving in the UFC, Michael Chandler has quickly become one of the most exciting fighters on the roster. 

Delivering knockout of the year contenders in his wins and fight of the year contenders in his losses, “Iron” Mike has been worth his weight in gold.

On the latest episode of DC & RC, Chandler took Ryan Clark’s position for a one-off episode of DC & MC where the UFC lightweight ranked his top five most exciting fighters currently in the promotion.

Coming in at the 5th and 4th spots, Chandler picked Khamzat Chimaev and Sean O’Malley for their ability to hype the fight and back it up inside the Octagon.

Taking home the bronze was former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, who Chandler said is the best boxer on the roster right now.

Another featherweight placed one step ahead of him with Yair Rodríguez claiming second with his unpredictable and creative fighting style.

Number one, with really only one contender for this spot, was the man Chandler put the 2021 fight of the year on with, Justin Gaethje.

“He was ‘The Highlight’, now he’s the BMF and I believe he will be lightweight champion in the next six to eight months”  

Chris Weidman Explains How Devastating Leg Break Was A ‘Blessing In Disguise’ Ahead Of UFC 292 Return

The last time that Chris Weidman made the walk to the Octagon, he was soon on his way back again on a stretcher. 

Suffering a horrific injury against Uriah Hall at UFC 261, the former UFC middleweight champion returns this Saturday following his leg injuries. 

Facing Brad Tavares at UFC 292 on his return, Weidman can now look back on the experience and draw positives from a moment that could have spelled the end of his career. 

Getting a taste of what is out there for him once he does lay the gloves down for good, Weidman spoke in an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri about the experiences he took with him into this comeback.

“It definitely helped me put things in perspective,” Weidman said. “It helped me realize what’s most important in life, and that’s your family… My family was there, they supported me the whole time. It kinda gave me a glimpse into what life will be like after fighting, who’s gonna be around? Going from a world champion, losing some fights, then breaking your leg in half — you get to see who the real ones are.

“It was definitely helpful to see that. And so there’s a lot of blessings in disguise,” Weidman continued. “To be able to come back and feel as good as I feel right now — I feel like I’m in my prime, and I’m ready to prove that… I’m coming back to take over this whole damn thing.”

Read more on the story here.

For more MMA news, check out:

• Report: Kevin Holland vs. Jack Della Maddalena In The Works For Noche UFC On September 16
• Dustin Poirier: Conor McGregor’s USADA Controversy ‘Makes A Joke’ Of Anti-Doping [Exclusive]
• Francis Ngannou’s Coach Describes Presence Of Mike Tyson In Camp For Fury Fight

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