Brian Kelleher is set to take on Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 272 on Saturday. The fight has a lot of hype behind it as Nurmagomedov is undefeated and Kelleher represents a big test.
Umar Nurmagomedov gets compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov and sports a reputation as a tough Russian wrestler. Brian Kelleher is aware of the reputation but he knows he has the experience advantage at UFC 272.
“When I look at him, I don't see the exact same thing as all of these other Russian fighters,” Kelleher told ClutchPoints ahead of UFC 272. “He seems a little different to me, he likes to throw a lot of checkmark kicks, he uses front kicks, sidekicks, stuff like that to keep you at bay. They all are going to have that grappling base, he does like to eventually look for takedowns, try to get to your back, and look for position. Of course, he presents challenges that I've faced. I've had so many fights, I have a lot of experience over this guy. This is my 14th fight in the UFC. This is his second, so I have a lot of experience over him. I think that's a factor that not many people focus on but I definitely think that's a big deal.”
UFC 272 will be Brian Kelleher's opportunity to improve his current win streak. Umar Nurmagomedov is a tough challenge but it's also a big opportunity for him to prove to everyone that he's no stepping stone.
“I see myself just being aggressive. Really being motivated by the fact that everyone's writing me off in this fight and just getting in this guy's face. Make him uncomfortable. Make him do something out of character and catch him on the way in.”
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