Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov took down Justin Gaethji at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi, securing 29th victory of his career with a record of 29 wins and 0 losses. A win which continues his undefeated record.
However, the social media continues to debate on whether Khabib should be considered as one of the greatest fighters in the history of UFC, but without any doubt many people will say he is.
As fans from all over the world root for him on his road to GOAT status, we’ve taken the pleasure to rank Khabib’s top 5 greatest victories over the past few years.
1. Khabib vs Horcher (2016)
Khabib’s pure hard work and dedication towards his sport launched him into a victory over Horcher in Florida. Khabib went full ballistic on his opponent which the American fighter could not hold and resulted in a TKO (Technical Knockout) making way for his 23rd straight win. The Eagle soars high and shows no sign of slowing down.
2. Khabib vs Iaquinta (2018)
Perhaps one of the longest fights of his career which lasted five rounds to take down the American fighter, Iaquinta to finally claim the title of UFC lightweight champion. Khabib swept his opponent off his feet in all the five rounds and his combos and jabs plunged him into a victory by decision. His claim to the title started an epoch in the lightweight division.
3. Khabib vs McGregor (2018)
A fight that lived up to its hype. The most anticipated fight of 2018 which got fans excited all over the world. Khabib punished McGregor for all the trash talk and islamophobia he spread outside the octagon for a total of four rounds with brutal combos and jabs, until he finally put McGregor into a neck crank which resulted in submission. The fight left McGregor in shock as he was left in awe.
4. Khabib vs Poirier (2019)
Khabib had already displayed himself as one of the most reckless MMA fighters in the octagon.
Poirier tried to combat till round three until The Eagle put him in a rear-naked choke which forced him into submission. There is no way his opponents can free themselves from his choke without submitting. No surprise there.
5. Khabib vs Gaethje (2020)
The cherry on top, his 29th straight win.The still undefeated Russian UFC Fighter further strengthened his claim to the title of Lightweight champion. Making him the most dominant and brutal fighters in the octagon. Khabib forced Gaethji into submission as the opponent could no longer tackle the bear wrestling fighter.
Khabib has proved himself as a dedicated and true professional fighter in the UFC both inside and outside the octagon. His love for the sport and his exceptional skill set will be a benchmark for the future fighters. Sadly, Khabib’s father passed away in june and this was his first and last fight without his father who was also his coach.
Happy retirement, Khabib. You are a well deserving champion and always will be.
