Khabib Nurmagomedov`s retirement from the UFC in 2020 sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts community. Considered by many to be the most dominant champion in UFC history, Nurmagomedov`s decision to step away in 2020 at the pinnacle of his career often draws criticism.
His final professional bout saw `The Eagle` successfully defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in a unification bout, following Gaethje`s interim title victory over Tony Ferguson earlier that year. Heading into the clash, `The Highlight` was widely perceived as Khabib`s most formidable challenge due to his strong wrestling pedigree. However, the Russian phenom once again asserted his dominance, securing a second-round submission victory over Gaethje.
Justin Gaethje`s Unexpected Reaction to Being Called Khabib`s Most Powerful Foe
Throughout his illustrious UFC career, Khabib appeared nearly unblemished, with some pundits, including Joe Rogan, even suggesting his fight against Gleison Tibau might have been a debatable loss. Despite a relatively dominant performance against `The Highlight`, Nurmagomedov later acknowledged Gaethje as the most potent adversary he had faced.
“He hit like a truck,” Khabib revealed during an appearance on `Hotboxin with Mike Tyson`. “Nobody hit me harder than Justin Gaethje – his kicks, his punches, his left hook, his right hook, his right uppercut.”
Gaethje holds a reputation as one of the most powerful lightweight fighters in UFC history, known for his involvement in numerous classic and action-packed encounters. However, despite earning this significant praise from Khabib, the 36-year-old Gaethje appeared largely unfazed, emphasizing that it doesn`t alter the outcome of their championship bout.
“I hit him really hard, I hit him really hard,” Gaethje recently stated in a social media video. “I kicked him really hard and then landed a solid right hand. But hearing Khabib say I hit him the hardest doesn`t exactly feel great because he still defeated me. I still didn`t win the championship, so, I mean, it`s… yeah, I don`t know, it`s cool,” Gaethje elaborated with a hint of bittersweet reflection.
What`s Next for Justin Gaethje in the UFC Lightweight Division?
Earlier this year, `The Highlight` issued a stern ultimatum to the UFC: if he isn`t granted the next lightweight title shot, he would consider retirement from professional competition. This declaration was met with disapproval from UFC President Dana White, who publicly urged Gaethje to retire, labeling his ultimatum as `whacky`.
Despite this, there have been no concrete developments concerning the next lightweight title bout. However, White recently hinted that Ilia Topuria is expected to defend his title at the inaugural UFC event broadcast on Paramount. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Topuria`s challenger will be Gaethje or the British contender, Paddy Pimblett, with whom Topuria shares a well-documented rivalry.
