Unmatched Undefeated Record
Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most illustrious names in the history of MMA, maintaining an impeccable record throughout his professional career. He boasts 29 victories, including 13 wins in the UFC, solidifying his status in the martial arts world. Khabib’s excellence stems from his superior ability to control fights, his remarkable grappling techniques, and his exceptional submission skills, which have allowed him to dominate nearly all of his opponents.
The Greatest Challenges
Despite Khabib’s status as an elite fighter, he has faced significant challenges throughout his career. Here are five opponents who posed difficulties for Khabib:
- Dustin Poirier (UFC 242, 9/2019): In this bout, Khabib nearly succumbed to a chokehold from Poirier in the third round. However, demonstrating resilience and adept counterattacking, Khabib escaped and ultimately secured victory via submission.
- Conor McGregor (UFC 229, 10/2018): Khabib frequently engaged in striking exchanges with McGregor, which allowed his opponent to land 51 significant strikes. Although McGregor won the round on points in the third, Khabib returned to his familiar grappling style, clinching a submission victory in the fourth round, thus affirming his prowess.
- Gleison Tibau (UFC 148, 7/2012): Tibau is the only opponent Khabib failed to take down during his UFC career. While Khabib emerged victorious by decision, Tibau managed to deliver more significant strikes and successfully executed a takedown, illustrating that Khabib was not invincible.
- Michael Johnson (UFC 205, 11/2016): In the first round, Khabib endured several heavy blows from Johnson. Nevertheless, his adaptability allowed him to adjust his strategy in the following rounds, ultimately winning via an arm triangle choke in the third round.
- Al Iaquinta (UFC 223, 4/2018): Iaquinta posed considerable challenges for Khabib, successfully defending against 9 of Khabib’s takedown attempts and landing 41 accurate strikes. Nonetheless, Khabib secured a unanimous decision victory, demonstrating his ability to control the fight.
The Shock at Age 17
However, few are aware that Khabib experienced a significant shock at the age of 17 when he faced his first defeat. In the Combat Sambo finals against Ibragimov, Khabib(blue shirt) was knocked out and broke down in tears. This defeat was not merely a painful experience but also served as a catalyst, motivating “The Eagle” to train relentlessly, determined never to lose another match in his professional career.
The Journey to Glory
Through these relentless efforts, Khabib Nurmagomedov has risen to become a legend in the world of MMA, serving as a role model for countless generations of aspiring fighters. His success lies not only in his victories but also in his unwavering spirit and ability to overcome adversity.
