"My Knee Hit Khabib Right on the Chin": Fighter Who Gave Nurmagomedov Toughest UFC Fight

Islam Makhachev Names Fighter Who Gave Khabib Nurmagomedov His Toughest Fight

Islam Makhachev, a dominant lightweight contender and Khabib Nurmagomedov's training partner, recently revealed the name of the fighter who, in his opinion, gave Khabib his toughest fight in the UFC.

During a recent interview, Makhachev stated that Edson Barboza, a dangerous striker known for his powerful kicks, posed the most significant challenge to Nurmagomedov inside the Octagon.

Barboza's Performance Against Nurmagomedov

Barboza faced Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated lightweight bout at UFC 219 in December 2017. The fight lived up to its expectations, showcasing both fighters' exceptional skills and determination.

Barboza utilized his signature spinning attacks and precise striking to keep Nurmagomedov at bay in the early rounds. However, Nurmagomedov's relentless pressure and grappling prowess eventually overwhelmed Barboza, leading to a third-round submission victory for the Russian.

Makhachev's Explanation

Makhachev explained his choice by highlighting Barboza's striking ability and his success in keeping Nurmagomedov at distance during their fight.

He praised Barboza's footwork, timing, and power, noting that these factors made him a formidable opponent for Nurmagomedov, who is renowned for his wrestling and grappling skills.

Other Notable Fights

While Makhachev believes Barboza gave Nurmagomedov his toughest fight, it's worth mentioning that Nurmagomedov faced several other challenging opponents throughout his undefeated career.

These include Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Al Iaquinta, each of whom posed unique threats and tested Nurmagomedov's abilities to the limit.

Conclusion

Edson Barboza's performance against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 219 remains a testament to his striking prowess and ability to challenge even the most dominant grapplers.

Makhachev's assessment highlights the respect that Nurmagomedov's peers have for Barboza's skills and the difficulty he presented inside the Octagon.