2 Years After Retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov Gets Dragged In by UFC Star to Question Islam Makhachev’s Relevance

Former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov is recognized as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history by many fans and MMA pundits. He did, however, retire early in 2020 with an unbeaten 29-0 record. This raised a significant question. Who will take his place? However, it did not take long, and Islam Makhachev entered the picture. Makhachev, backed by Nurmagomedov himself, became the UFC lightweight champion just years after ‘The Eagle’ retired.

With just one defeat, Makhachev’s UFC career has been a success. However, when he fought Alexander Volkanovski this year, he didn’t appear to be near Nurmagomedov’s invincibility. He won the fight by a close decision. Thus, despite a long winning run, many question his relevance as champion.

Khabib Nurmagomedov gets roped in to jibe at Islam Makhachev

One such personality who is throwing shade at the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, recently is Justin Gaethje. The former interim lightweight title holder is all set to return to action against Dustin Poirier this weekend at UFC 291.

The two of the best lightweights in the division will give it all inside the cage for the BMF title in Salt Lake City. Ahead of his fight, Gaethje revealed his championship goal in an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri.

The winner of the UFC 291 main event is very likely to receive a title shot. Talking about the same, Gaethje wants to do it against Islam Makhachev, as he has one more motive behind it. ‘The Highlight’ wants to prove that Makhachev is nowhere near Nurmagomedov. He said:

“I can’t wait to get in there. I know for a fact he’s not Khabib and I want to go in there and prove that.”

It is interesting to note that ‘The Highlight’ has faced defeat at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the past. Thus, for Gaethje, a win over Islam Makhachev would be close to avenging his loss.

Justin Gaethje is the second fighter to defeat Nurmagomedov in a round

Khabib Nurmagomedov stayed unbeaten during his UFC career. Surprisingly, he was one of the few combatants that did not bleed in the bloodsport.

However, only two fighters have ever defeated ‘The Eagle’ in a round during a fight. Conor McGregor, who defeated Nurmagomedov in a round at UFC 229, is one of them. However, he was eventually defeated via submission.

Apart from McGregor, Justin Gaethje defeated Nurmagomedov in a round during their 2020 battle. He was stopped in the second round, though, by a triangle choke. Nurmagomedov has so only lost two rounds in his entire UFC career.