Khabib Nurmagomedov said he believed Tyson Fury was one of the top four boxers in the world today.
The UFC lightweight champion is a longtime fan of boxing and has even been mentioned as a potential crossover opponent by Floyd Mayweather in recent weeks.
When asked about his assessment of the sport today, Khabib told reporters, “Right now, I think three guys. Oleksandr Usyk, Vasyl Lomachenko and Canelo Alvarez.
“Oh sorry, Tyson Fury too. Four guys. It’s very difficult [to decide] who is the best.”
After winning back against Deontay Wilder last month, many now want Fury to meet fellow countryman Anthony Joshua in a fight for the undisputed heavyweight title.
However, Khabib has other ideas.
He continued, “I really want to see Usyk against Fury. It’s going to be a very good fight.
“He [Usyk] has very good skills and techniques, Tyson Fury too.
“He’s not like the other heavyweights, more technical, his footwork is very good, his conditioning is very good, I really want to watch Usyk against Fury.”
Oleksandr Usyk is the former undisputed cruiserweight champion who has now become a heavyweight.
The unbeaten 17-0 Ukrainian is mandatory for WBO Joshua later this year, but will fight for the first time in the UK when he faces Derek Chisora on May 23.