MMA: “The Joker in the Pack” Alfie Davis Plans to Take Down Usman Nurmagomedov and Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib – who retired in 2020 after winning all 29 of his fights – has referred to Davis as a “dangerous fighter”.

The Briton says he is not sure whether the lover is praising him for sparking the match or for stopping Nurmagomedov, whom he describes as an “arrogant person.”

“I’ve been through it before, if you’re too confident you underperform, so I think Khabib is trying to make Usman not as confident,” Davis said.

“Similarly, it’s nice to get praise from a lover.”

Davis outmaneuvered Rabadanov by landing the most damaging blows when the fighters were on their feet, but he spent the better part of two rounds wrestling.

Although Nurmagomedov prefers to strike more than many of his teammates and coaches, Davis expects him to rely on his famous grappling in Dagestan.

“He’s very disingenuous, he’s a big mystery. It was thought camp,” Davis said.

“Some fighters you have to work harder for. I had to really study with him what he’s doing and put counters on him.

“I had to think about what he could do, but equally remind myself that he is only human.”

Like the fight against Rabadanov, Davis will enter the bout as a heavy underdog, but he thrives in that position.

“People feel like Gadze lost the fight and I didn’t win it, but if you watch it back, that’s not the case at all — he was trying to win but couldn’t,” Davis said.

“I think that’s what will happen on Saturday.”