Khabib Nurmagomedov is considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. With a record of 29-0, the undefeated lightweight champion is the biggest superstar in the lightweight division. Undoubtedly, “The Eagle” is the greatest UFC lightweight fighter, however, he doesn’t match the level of UFC Legends such as Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre aka GSP. This could be a controversial statement for not calling the former UFC lightweight champion the GOAT of MMA. Today, we will look at some factors why Khabib Nurmagomedov is not on the same level as Jon Jones and GSP. Follow UFC News Updates with Insidesport.IN
Read More: UFC Champion Israel Adesanya Places High Stake Bet on Lewis Hamilton Ahead of Monaco Grand Prix
5 Factors Why Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Not On The Same Level With Jon Jones and GSP In MMA GOAT Debate
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s early departure
Back in 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his MMA retirement following his title match with Justin Gaethje. This came as a shock for MMA fans as the UFC lightweight champion announced his retirement out of nowhere. Despite an incredible UFC career, he retired too early. Eventually, Khabib gave his reason for retirement in order to spend more time with his family.
Although Khabib was in his prime phase, he decided to sit out after losing his father. On the other hand, Jon Jones and GSP continued to fight for many years in the UFC eradicating their opponents. Currently, Jon Jones is an active fighter and the current UFC heavyweight champion at the age of 35. This is one of the factors the Eagle is out of the GOAT league.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s stint in lightweight
Khabib made his UFC debut in the lightweight division. Since then, he continued to stick to the weight class to establish his dominance by squashing his opponents. For a span of 8 years, he continued his fight in the lightweight division. Unfortunately, Jon Jones and GSP jumped from different weight classes to prove their will to fight which makes them a GOAT. Undoubtedly, Khabib is the best lightweight fighter but he never tried to extend his borders to conquer the other clans.
Many fans considered Khabib to jump to other weight classes after he defeated almost everyone in the lightweight division. Unfortunately, due to his early retirement fans were not able to experience it.
3. Khabib’s limited title fights
Khabib Nurmagomedov relinquished his title after his last fight in UFC. His title reign only included four title defenses against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Al Iaquinta. Apparently, this is 3 times less compared to Jon Jones and GSP. The two UFC legends are known for their longest title reigns and title victories. Jon Jones holds the record for participating in most title fights in the UFC. He has been a part of 16 title fights with 15 wins and 1 no-contest. Apparently, GSP competed in 15 title fights with 13 wins.
4. Khabib Never Rematced Anyone
Despite being the greatest lightweight fighter, Khabib never fought his opponent in a rematch. His biggest fight with UFC star Conor McGregor was considered the greatest of all time and fans needed a rematch. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen despite Dana White’s big proposal for the Russian native.
On the contrary, Jon Jones and GSP competed in multiple rematches. Those fights brought immense respect and fan support for them as they continued to dominate in their rematches as well. This made them far different from Khabib Nurmagomedov, who never faced his opponent twice.
5. Khabib Nurmagamodev’s less engagement with top fighters
There is no doubt Khabib has dominated the lightweight division and defeated some of the best fighters in the UFC. However, his experience with top fighters is far less than that of Jon Jones and GSP. Jon Jones has competed in a tough spot several times and knocked out many opponents who were the top contenders in the division. Similarly, GSP did his absolute best to become a 3-time welterweight champion and overpower his opponents who were ready to dethrone him.
Follow InsideSport on GOOGLE NEWS / For UFC News updates with InsideSport.IN
Editors pick
