Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching ‘aura’ is not saving Deiveson Figueiredo, says Marlon Vera

Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera will take on Deiveson Figueiredo in a much-anticipated bantamweight clash this weekend at UFC Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the fight, Figueiredo is on a winning momentum and has also asked for help from UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, opponent Vera doesn’t think that will have any significance.

Recently, a video of Deiveson Figueiredo meeting with Khabib Nurmagomedov in his gym went viral. This started assumptions regarding the Brazilian training with the wrestling expert against Vera. Chito recently spoke with Mike Bohn, where he was asked the same. According to the former title contender, it is impossible even for Nurmagomedov to teach wrestling in one week to Figueiredo. 

You can’t learn wrestling in one week. Khabib probably has this stigma that he can be a coach and everything. Well, good luck with that. 
Marlon Vera via MMA Junkie 

Vera himself is a BJJ black belt and has ten submission finishes throughout his professional MMA career. Figueiredo also has a background in BJJ and a considerable number of submissions under his belt. Both fighters are known for swinging and banging, and it won’t be surprising to see an early knockout finish. 

Vera also mentioned that even if Figueiredo wants to wrestle this Saturday, he will be ready for it. The bantamweight veteran revealed that he’s ready and has trained with some of the best wrestlers and grapplers during camp. It seems like Vera is not in the mood to give Khabib Nurmagomedov any credit this weekend.

Marlon Vera is not really a fan of Khabib Nurmagomedov 

Even years after his retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov is still making headlines. As a coach, Nurmagomedov helped Islam Makhachev to win the lightweight championship. Recently, he even helped Belal Muhammad successfully break down Leon Edwards‘ game plan. All this might have pushed Deiveson Figueiredo to train with the Dagestani ahead of his fight with Marlon Vera.

Marlon Vera doesn’t credit Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC career (via X/Imago)

During his time in the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov dominated everybody with his wrestling and pressure. He never bled inside the octagon and is regarded as the GOAT by many fight fans. However, for Vera, it’s different. He once tweeted against Nurmagomedov supporting Jon Jones in the GOAT debate. 

And some of u idiots call kabib the goat lol.
Marlon Vera via X