Khabib Nurmagomedov has unveiled the hardest puncher he faced in his illustrious unbeaten UFC career.
He rose into stardom through his feud with Conor McGregor, which resulted in McGregor being submitted in the Russian’s first title defence. He followed up the first defence, with a pair of submission victories over Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje and it was the latter whom Nurmagomedov deems the hardest puncher he has faced.
Retiring at the Top
The fight with Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi was the final fight in the 29-0 career of Khabib Nurmagomedov. In wake of his father passing a promise was made to his mother that he would retire after the unification bout. He is still part of the sport as we have seen him take a coaching role for his protégé Islam Makhachev on his route to gold but now he looks to take a more reserved approach away from the limelight.
Comments on Gaethje
On the PBD Podcast there were many in depth conversations about his career and future plans, this was his comment when asked about the biggest puncher he shared the Octagon with.
“I think it was Justin Gaethje, he hit like a truck.” Nurmagomedov elaborated on how he reacted. “When he hit me, I remember it was a right uppercut and left hook. It was his best shot and I told him, ‘Brother, is this everything you have?” Talking to his opponents was prevalent in most of his fights as his relentless pressure he almost willed the opponent to give up.
Aforementioned Nurmagomedov coached Makhachev to his mightily impressive title win at UFC 280, however has since stepped away from coaching to spend more time with his young family. Following this, the prodigy won in February without being under his tutelage and will look to make it 2-0 for the year in October when he rematches fan favourite Charles Oliveira. They will headline a stacked card at UFC 294 full of stars such as Paulo Costa, Khamzat Chimaev, Magomed Ankalaev and Muhammed Mokaev.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
