Explore the legacy of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC and the potential matchups that could have shaped his career. From his dominant victories to retirement decisions, delve into the world of ‘The Eagle.’
| Key Points |
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| Khabib Nurmagomedov retired with a perfect 29-0 record in the UFC after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. |
| Nurmagomedov’s decision to retire was influenced by his father’s passing and his mother’s wishes. |
| Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov’s training partner, succeeded him as the UFC lightweight champion. |
| Potential matchups for Khabib included Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler, showcasing his wrestling prowess. |
| The legacy of Nurmagomedov in the UFC continues to impact the lightweight division, with fans speculating on what could have been. |
Khabib Nurmagomedov, also known as ‘The Eagle,’ had an illustrious career in the UFC, holding the lightweight title with an impressive record of 29-0. He retired after defending his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. The victory marked his 13th consecutive win in the UFC, solidifying his status as one of the greatest fighters in the promotion’s history. In his final bout, Nurmagomedov faced off against Justin Gaethje, the interim lightweight champion at the time. Despite a tough challenge from Gaethje, Khabib secured a second-round submission victory, showcasing his dominance in the octagon. Following the fight, Khabib revealed that his decision to retire was influenced by his late father’s passing, indicating that his mother did not want him to continue fighting without his father by his side. After Nurmagomedov’s retirement, his close friend and training partner, Islam Makhachev, stepped up to claim the vacant lightweight title in October 2022. Makhachev, known for his grappling skills, has successfully defended his title twice and is currently the reigning champion in the division. While comparisons have been drawn between Makhachev and Nurmagomedov, the former has showcased a more diverse fighting style, incorporating striking into his game plan. Had Khabib not retired, he would have faced Charles Oliveira for the title in 2021, followed by a matchup against Michael Chandler. With his unparalleled wrestling and fight IQ, Nurmagomedov was poised to continue his reign as the lightweight champion. Additionally, fights against the likes of Alexander Volkanovski would have presented intriguing challenges for ‘The Eagle,’ given his strategic approach to grappling. In retrospect, Nurmagomedov’s retirement left fans speculating about the potential matchups and legacy he could have built in the UFC. While Makhachev has emerged as a formidable champion in his own right, the shadow of Khabib’s legacy continues to loom large over the lightweight division.
