Shlemenko is ready to help Khabib prepare for a new fight if he resumes his career

Russian fighter Alexander Shlemenko, in an interview with RT, expressed his readiness to help Khabib Nurmagomedov in preparation for a possible fight against Israel Adesanya.

Shlemenko is sure that if Nurmagomedov wants to return to the sport, then the representative of New Zealand may become the most likely opponent.

– If Khabib decided to return, then the fight with Oliveira would be more likely. But if we take into account the situation with the cut, then we would have to fight with Adesanya. The welterweight title is held by Kamaru Usman, and he and Nurmagomedov are friends, so their fight is hardly possible. I would watch the battle between Nurmagomedov and Adesanya with great interest. If Khabib needed it, I would be happy to help him prepare for this fight.

It is difficult to say whether Nurmagomedov could have easily dealt with Adesanya in three rounds. Still, this is a difference in two weight categories. But he would have a high chance of winning. This is clear. But in middleweight he would have to meet with stronger and more resilient opponents,” Shlemenko said.

Nurmagomedov ended his career in 2020 by defeating Justin Gaethje in October. He left the Octagon undefeated (29-0).

Adesanya, 32, has 23 MMA fights and 22 wins, losing only to Pole Jan Blachowicz in March 2021.