One of the biggest UFC fights of the year is finally set after undisputed lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champion Justin Gaethje both made weight for their title unification fight on Saturday. 

Nurmagomedov enters the fight with a 32-0 mixed martial arts record, including a 12-0 record in the UFC, and is thus the favorite to defend his lightweight title. One friend of the Russian fighter is pretty confident that he can beat Gaethje:

During an Instagram Live broadcast, Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo seemed confident of the 32-year-old’s chances, saying that he’ll win for sure. Having one of the world's best football players in your corner is certainly a huge confidence boost, but it wasn't the first time that the two athletes at the top of their game have shown respect for each other.

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Both Ronaldo and Nurmagomedov have spoken highly of each other in the past, with the UFC’s reigning lightweight champion saying in an interview with UFC Russia that he has admired Ronaldo’s desire and ability to remain among the world’s best in football for 17 years:

Khabib Nurmagomedov, who owns victories in the UFC over the likes of Conor McGregor, Rafael dos Anjos, and Dustin Poirier in his most recent fight, has also admired the 35-year old’s status as a winner from his time with Manchester United to Real Madrid to Juventus in Italy’s Serie A, which he has helped win back-to-back titles.  

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to recover from COVID-19 after testing positive for the virus last week. He once again tested positive in a recent test, putting his status against Juventus’ status in the Italian club’s UEFA Champions League group stage match next week against rival Lionel Messi and Barcelona in doubt.