Khabib Nurmagomedov Opens Up On Relationship With Cristiano Ronaldo Following UFC 254 Message

Khabib Nurmagomedov has opened up on his relationship with Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and says he always gives him advice.

UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov is set to defend his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Saturday, with 'CR7' throwing support behind his friend.

'The Eagle' is currently doing media on Fight Island ahead of the contest and he was asked about the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's message.

"Have you heard Cristiano Ronaldo's message two days ago?" the reporter asks.

Nurmagomedov then replies: "Yes, I saw his video, I always talk with him.

"He always gives me advice. I also speak to Karim Benzema and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"I love football and I have followed these guys from a young age and for me, they give me great energy."

When asked if his friend can overcome Gaethje, Ronaldo told fans on Instagram: "Of course, of course, Khabib is going to win!"

"My brother! Inshallah!"

It's an interesting friendship between two of the world's top athletes and it's something Nurmagomedov thought was 'a joke' at first.

Ronaldo first followed the Dagestani fighter in 2018 and when a friend notified him, Khabib replied: "Someone told me about that, but I thought it was a joke.

"But then I checked and indeed he subscribed. Then my buddies were like, 'Let's message him.' He replied straight away."

He then went on to reveal that Ronaldo had asked him to speak with UFC president Dana White about booking a match between Nurmagomedov and Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 201.

However, the undefeated fighter previously defeated Dos Anjos in 2014 by unanimous decision.

But his victory over Dos Anjos left him with the perfect response to Ronaldo's initial request.

PA

PA

He continued: "Then we started talking and I don't know why but he asked me if Dana White can match me with Dos Anjos in UFC 201.

"Then I sent him a photo of me beating up Dos Anjos. Then Cristiano sent me a thumbs-up emoji."

Who do you think will be lightweight champion come the end of UFC 254? Khabib Nurmagomedov or Justin Gaethje?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Football News, Khabib, Football, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA, Cristiano Ronaldo

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_