Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager’s Ali Abdelaziz has responded to Ronda Rousey’s recent comments about Khabib Nurmagomedov, calling her remarks nothing more than jealousy.
During a recent interview on The Bert Kreischer Podcast, Rousey criticized MMA fans and the media for what she described as their selective loyalty toward fighters. She argued that fans tend to idolize certain athletes only because they retire before facing decline, using Khabib Nurmagomedov as an example.
“The only reason MMA fans have their lips so firmly planted at the base of Khabib’s c*ck is because he retired before he reached his limit,” Rousey said. “If he kept fighting until he reached his limit, everybody would be saying ‘Khabib ain’t shit, he never was shit.’”
Her comments quickly went viral, prompting a strong reaction from Khabib’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who defended his client during an appearance on Submission Radio.
“It’s jealousy,” Abdelaziz said. “Khabib is an icon. Ronda was a great athlete when she was champion, but she beat girls who were not as athletic. When she faced Amanda Nunes, she lost. She can’t compare herself to Khabib. She’s not a GOAT, she’s just unhappy.”
Abdelaziz went on to question Rousey’s legacy, saying Khabib retired undefeated and respected, while she walked away after back-to-back knockouts.
“Khabib never talked bad about anyone,” Abdelaziz continued. “He’s a legit superstar, an undefeated, undisputed champion. He has no highlight reel of getting knocked out by Holly Holm. If it makes her feel better to say those things, fine — but she should never talk about Khabib like that.”
Rousey, once the face of women’s MMA, dominated the sport before suffering brutal losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes that ended her UFC career. With rumors swirling about a potential comeback ahead of the UFC’s scheduled White House visit, Abdelaziz made it clear he doesn’t think she could hang with today’s elite.
“Honestly, with how much the sport has evolved, if Ronda comes back, she wouldn’t even be in the top 10,” Abdelaziz said. “That’s just my opinion. But there’s only one way to find out.”
While Rousey remains one of MMA’s biggest pioneers, Abdelaziz made it clear that when it comes to greatness, her name doesn’t belong in the same conversation as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s.
