Khabib Nurmagomedov has been punched by some of the greatest fighters the lightweight division has ever seen, but one stood out from the pack.
The Russian felt the power of this formidable brawler, before eventually securing the victory.
Khabib Nurmagomedov says Justin Gaethje is the hardest puncher he’s faced
On October 24, 2020, at UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov graced the octagon for the final time against Justin Gaethje.
During the fight, ‘The Eagle’ had to overcome an array of heavy shots, with the legend confessing that his opponent was hurting him with his dynamite hands.
However, while taking punishment is never nice, Nurmagomedov confessed that it was actually part of his game plan.
Furthermore, the icon also decided to end the contest in the least brutal way he could think of, out of respect for the American’s parents.
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In an episode of Hotboxin with Mike Tyson, the Dagestani, said: “He hit like a truck. Nobody hit me harder than Justin Gaethje, his kick, his punch, his left hook, right hook, right uppercut. But I make him hit me.
“I knew this guy don’t like me wrestling. I go through his punches and kicks, so I could get him tired on the stand-up and bring him on the ground and finish him there.
“I got to the arm-bar, I understood this guy might not tap, and I’m going to break his arm in front of his parents. I’d met his parents three days before the fight, and I knew they were gonna be there.
“I transitioned to the triangle choke. When you choke people, even if they don’t tap, they go to sleep. This is much better than breaking your opponent’s arm.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov gives a fascinating insight into why he’s refusing to make a UFC comeback
While his submission victory over Gaethje marked the end of his career, fans would still love to see the icon set foot back in the octagon.
However, it doesn’t look likely to happen any time soon.
While the 36-year-old is adamant that he can still beat anyone in the world, he explained the reason why he has no plans to fight again.
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