In a fascinating conversation with Lex Fridman, judo legend Jimmy Pedro, the four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist shared his insights on the greatness of American champions like Kayla Harrison and Travis Stevens. When asked about the possibility of Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, taking on former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in a judo match, Pedro didn’t hesitate to give his prediction.
“I’d put my money on Kayla unless he’s [Khabib] at a really high level of judo,” said Pedro. “If he’s not at that level of judo, a brown belt or not a high-level judo player, she will win.”
According to Pedro, Harrison’s dominance of even the top American male judoka is a testament to her skillset. “I’ve seen her smash all of them in judo. She’s not going to do that to a Travis Stevens, she’s not going to do that to a senior national champion or Olympian in our sport. But she will go toe-to-toe with every other male black belt.”
While Khabib is renowned for his grappling prowess, especially his world-class wrestling, Pedro believes Harrison’s judo expertise would prove too much for the Russian star in a pure judo contest. “In a judo match where he cannot grab legs and he has to grip up and just throw, I’d put my money on Kayla.”
While Nurmagomedov infamously has contempt for women in MMA, he respects Judo and shares a manager with Kayla.
In an old clip, Khabib was sitting down with Freestyle Wrestling Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo and told him point blank he thought Kayla’s Judo medals were worth more.
“If I have chance to take like Judo Olympic gold medal or freestyle? Please, put Judo. Yes brother, I’m from Dagestan. I love freestyle wrestling, but Judo’s different level. ”
“I am from Dagestan. Everybody, love. freestyle wrestling but judo. You have to… Okay. We talk about Dagestan. 3 million, but what about 7 billion.”
“They love Judo. Judo is like different 176 country compete in Olympic Games. Freestyle wrestling? I think 54, 56.”
Jimmy Pedro’s comments highlight the immense talent and physicality of Harrison, who overcame tremendous adversity earlier in her life to become one of the greatest judoka in American history. Harrison is now on her UFC journey, where the fans are constantly amazed at her ability to make 135lbs.
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