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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Harry Davies

Kayla Harrison confident she can beat "role model" Khabib's unbeaten record

Two-time PFL champion is confident she has the ability to top Khabib Nurmagomedov 's flawless 29-0 record.

Harrison, 32, looks to push herself one step closer to a third $1million prize when she faces Martina Jindrova in the PFL semi-final playoffs this Saturday in London. The former two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo is unbeaten in MMA since turning professional four years ago, winning 11 of her 14 wins by stoppage.

Whilst hailing the now-retired UFC legend Nurmagomedov as a "role model", Harrison doesn't she why she can't beat his 29-0 record. Nurmagomedov is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time and retired from competition last year after promising his mother that he wouldn't fight again following the death of his father Abdulmanap.

Do you think Kayla Harrison can top Khabib Nurmagomedov's flawless record? Let us know in the comments section below

“For sure,” Harrison told Mirror Fighting when asked if she could improve on Nurmagomedov’s record. “I would never limit myself, my dreams and my capabilities. I would never say ‘I’m never going to do that. I think that anything is possible, I truly believe that. I have the mindset, skillset, team, drive and determination to make anything happen. So for sure, that could be a possibility."

Many fans questioned Nurmagmedov's decision to retire in the peak of his career, with potential fights against the likes of Charles Oliveira still on the table for him. Harrison addressed these early retirement claims by stating: “I think for every fighter it’s different, only you know when it’s your time to step away from something. I’m sure he loves it but maybe it just wasn’t the same for him anymore. I have so much respect for him and he was a champion that we didn’t deserve in MMA.

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in the peak of his fighting career (Getty Images)

“He never changed, stood by his morals and wasn’t afraid to be real. You couldn’t buy him, I have nothing but respect for Khabib, for everything he’s accomplished in and outside of the cage and the way he carries himself. He’s truly a role model for someone like me. I respect him so much and wish him the best.”

Harrison admitted this PFL season will likely be her last as she targets a super-fight with current Bellator and former UFC champion Cris Cyborg next year. PFL owner Don Davis recently teased a pay-per-view fight between the pair, whilst offering each fighter a guaranteed $1million purse plus a $2million bonus for the winner. Harrison claims Cyborg has now blocked her on Twitter after the pair traded words over the potential fight.

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