With an impressive record of 29-0, Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov stands out as a true legend in MMA. His unmatched ability to dominate opponents inside the cage has set a standard that remains unparalleled. Recently, UFC veteran Chael Sonnen reflected on what truly distinguishes Khabib from other fighters.
In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Sonnen highlighted that it wasn’t just Khabib’s takedowns or grappling skills that made him special; it was the relentless pace he maintained during fights. Sonnen elaborated:
“That son of a gun would be on you in ways that you’ve never experienced. I mean, Dustin Poirier, who is as tough as they come, told his corner during their fight, ‘He won’t stay off me!’”
Sonnen noted how Khabib would impose his will on opponents, pushing them to their limits until they either exhausted themselves or succumbed to his ground and pound. If he chose to be merciful, he would finish them with a choke, as he did with Justin Gaethje before retiring undefeated.
Despite facing criticism for his wrestling-centric approach, Khabib consistently proved his worth against well-rounded competitors like Edson Barboza, Conor McGregor, and Dustin Poirier.
Sonnen reminisced about the UFC 242 fight against Poirier, recalling how the American fighter expressed frustration about Khabib’s unrelenting pressure between rounds. This relentless style was on full display during Khabib’s iconic bout against Conor McGregor at UFC 229, where he overwhelmed the Irishman with takedowns, strikes, and submissions. McGregor was visibly gasping for air after a tumultuous first round, never managing to recover.
Former UFC heavyweight champion and Khabib’s teammate at AKA, Cain Velasquez, also weighed in on the notorious McGregor-Khabib rivalry. He pointed out that the bout went beyond just a championship title; it was steeped in personal animosity stemming from a series of insults and confrontations.
As the fight approached, tensions escalated following an alleged slap to one of McGregor’s associates, leading to a lawsuit and deeply personal jabs about Khabib’s faith, country, and family. When the fight finally took place, Khabib unleashed a brutal assault on McGregor, mocking him while dominating the bout, leaving McGregor to mutter, “It’s just business.”
While it may seem that McGregor still feels the sting of that defeat, Velasquez believes that any animosity has dissipated. In an interview with the ‘Basement Talk’ podcast, he stated:
“On his side, no, I don’t think so. Especially at that time, when you’re fighting someone like Khabib, a lot of emotions come out. There are lines you don’t cross. Conor crossed those lines, and Khabib felt it. But I don’t think he holds any hate toward him anymore.”
If Velasquez is right, it would be a relief for many in the MMA community, as the UFC reached its peak during that rivalry. It would be a shame if two of the sport’s biggest names were left with lingering animosity towards one another.
