It is not strange.
I am first generation. I find it disrespectful. My father came to the States much like his did.
Origins is one thing.
But typically by convention most people represent the country that moulded them into the athlete and person that they are.
He is not an elite MMA champion because of training he got back home.
So no its not like the Dagestanis at all.
Of course you can say his exposure there helped create the persona and resilient character that allowed him to become champion. But I think give credit where credit is due. Perhaps he is resentful because his father got 10 years in jail for committing crimes. I don’t know.
Sure can.
I do hate him. Or rather dislike him very strongly. Hate is too strong a word.
But anyways this is about showing respect to the country that welcomed you in and provided you all these amazing opportunities that allowed you to climb to the level you are at now.
It’s almost as bad as Naomi Osaka.
Came to the USA at 3 years of age. Received all of her training for Tennis in the States. But decides renounce her US citizenship so she can represent Japan at the Olympics in 2020.
That was not my assessment at all but even if it was it wouldn’t be silly.
I just think that would more authentic and accurate. If you want to represent Nigeria. Live the Nigerian life.
Still does not hold a candle to GSP in my opinion.
Or Matt Hughes who has 7 defences not 2!
He won the title from Carlos Newton had 5 successive defences in a row. Lost title. Won vacated title in his first bout with GSP and then lost it to GSP after defending it twice more.
Definitely rank him above Robbie and honeslty probably Pat. I don’t want to rank him above Pat Miletich. Its hard to say. Like sports changed so much between when Pat fought and now. Like does Pat get more credit for coming up in an era when there was no glamour or money. IDK.
So yeah the real question is. Does Kamaru have enough longevity to make 7 more defences.
Hes had 3 defences in 427 days. So let us just say 1.5 years.
He probably will get one more in for 2021. He is going to be 34 in May.
At this current rate of defences he will need 3 years to make 6 more defences to tie GSP. He would be 37 by that time likely. And thats assuming no injuries, surgeries or lay offs in that time period. Its a tough game.
I really don’t see that happening.
Granted Anderson lost the title to Weidman at 38 I believe.
But they are two very different fighters.
So we shall see.