WATCH: UFC News: In the world of mixed martial arts, Khabib Nurmagomedov is a name that cannot be ignored. He’s a legendary fighter in the UFC, having a stellar record of 29-0. And on top of that he retired as the undefeated lightweight champion of the world. In his career, he has faced some of the most formidable opponents around, yet he has emerged victorious in every single bout. So, let’s dive in to take a look into Khabib’s top 10 UFC wins – the battles that cemented his status as one of the all-time greats to every step in the Octagon. Follow UFC News Updates with Insidesport.IN
WATCH: TOP 10 Wins of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC
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WATCH: Best of Khabib Nurmagomedov wins in UFC
1. Conor McGregor (UFC 229)
When discussing the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, it’s impossible not to touch on his greatest adversary: Conor McGregor. In fact, their monumental battle sits at the very top of Khabib’s list of victories. The fight needs no introduction, as it was one of the most talked-about events in the history of mixed martial arts.
In a highly anticipated lightweight title fight, Khabib showed his superior skills by dominating McGregor from start to finish. The fight culminated in Khabib submitting McGregor in the fourth round, proving himself as the undisputed champion of the Octagon.
2. Justin Gaethje (UFC 254)
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s victory over Justin Gaethje wasn’t just a triumph in the Octagon – it was a financial game-changer. Despite facing off against an opponent with an impressive track record and knockout abilities, Khabib took him down and submitted him in just the second round.
For his appearance in the match, the Dagestani fighter earned jaw dropping $6 million. But that’s not all – Khabib also received an extra $50,000 for his exceptional performance, along with a $40,000 fight-week incentive. And not to forget that this win is special for Khabib, as it is his last fight in the Octagon.
3. Dustin Poirier (UFC 242)
Dustin Poirier is indeed the top tier fighter in the lightweight division, who made Conor McGregor taste two back-to-back defeats. However, in his match against Khabib, who is known for his unmatched grappling and wrestling abilities, he got overpowered.
At UFC 242 in September 2019, ‘The Eagle’ showed the world why he is hailed as the best lightweight fighter in the world. He made Poirier submit with a rear-naked choke in the third round. Check out the clip below.
4. Edson Barboza (UFC 219)
At UFC 219, Khabib Nurmagomedov put on a grappling exhibition that can only be described as a work of art. Fans were amazed not only by his ability to overpower Edson Barboza, but also by his skilled boxing that allowed him to counter Barboza’s attacks multiple times.
Barboza himself was known for his powerful kicks, but Khabib on that night was able to shut down his striking game and take control of the fight on the ground. In the end, Khabib emerged victorious with a unanimous decision after three rounds.
5. Rafael dos Anjos (UFC on Fox 20)
Khabib continued his unbeaten streak in his 22nd bout against former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos. Additionally, this fight was certainly one of the toughest in Khabib’s career. Although Dagestani won the fight on the judges’ scorecards, Dos Anjos made him work hard for the victory.
The three-round lightweight bout between ‘The Eagle’ and ‘RDA’ took place at UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne on April 19, 2014. This event is still remembered as a thrilling match between two highly skilled fighters, with Khabib ultimately coming out on top.
6. Michael Johnson (UFC 205)
After a two-year break, Khabib Nurmagomedov finally returned to the octagon in 2016. And in the second last month of the year fans were eager to see him take on then No. 6-ranked Michael Johnson in a fight which had significant title implications.
Johnson was known for his powerful punches, but Khabib’s exceptional grappling skills allowed him to repeatedly take Johnson down and control the fight on the ground. As a result, in the third round, Khabib secured the victory by forcing the ref to stop the match after he put Johnson in a submission arm hold.
7. Gleison Tibau (UFC 148)
Khabib Nurmagomedov faced a seasoned opponent with a wealth of experience in the Octagon, but he rose to the challenge and outperformed Tibau, ultimately winning the fight by unanimous decision after three rounds.
WATCH: Last three top wins
Last but not least, his battles against Thiago Tavares (UFC on FX 7), Shalorus, and Pat Healy, which he won through UD and Submission, are some of the special contests in the UFC that helped him maintain his perfect record. Khabib dominated tough opponents Tavares, Shalorus, and Healy, winning each bout convincingly on the ground.
This list can differ from person to person, but as per InsideSports, these are his top victories. His father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, has spent his entire life coaching Khabib to this level of greatness. His flawless record in MMA cements his reputation as GOAT fighters in history, and his fights will serve as a permanent reminder of his incredible talent and impact on the sport.
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Editors pick
