CHICAGO – Timur Khizriev will fight an Irishman Friday at Bellator 297, but there’s nothing but respect.
Though one of the most volatile rivalries in MMA history, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, was between a Dagestani and Irishman, Khizriev (12-0 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) thinks the bad feelings are limited to those individuals.
“To be honest, you’ve caught me off guard. I hadn’t even thought of such a thing that Dagestan vs. Ireland. I think it’s just a coincidence. Obviously with Conor and Khabib, those are big names. For me, it doesn’t really matter. I know they have a lot of great fighters in Ireland, but I don’t see it as a rivalry necessarily.”
Khizriev, 27, takes on former UFC fighter Richie Smullen (10-2-1 MMA, 4-1 BMMA) in a preliminary featherweight bout at Winstar Arena. It’s all respect.
“I have nothing against this opponent,” Khizriev said. “I’ve checked him. He’s pretty good. I pretty much prepare myself every time the same way, no matter who the opponent is. Man, I just believe God’s will. Whatever is going to be is going to be.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 297.
