In a rare moment of humility, MMA legend and former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov acknowledged that his prot\u00e9g\u00e9, Islam Makhachev, may have surpassed him in skill and performance.<\/p>\n
The statement, made during his appearance on Nurlan Saburov\u2019s YouTube channel, reignited debate among fans about who truly deserves the title of the greatest lightweight in UFC history.<\/p>\n
Khabib retired with an impeccable 29\u20130 record, including 13 UFC wins. He became champion in 2018 and defended the belt three times before retiring in 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Meanwhile, Makhachev boasts 27 wins and only one loss. He captured the title in 2022 and has defended it four times, most recently against Renato Moicano.<\/p>\n
Khabib shared a telling moment:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhen I retired, my kids were still young. One of them asked me, \u2018Dad, did you fight like Islam?\u2019 I said, \u2018I was almost at his level.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This wasn\u2019t just modesty\u2014it was a genuine acknowledgment of Makhachev\u2019s evolution into one of the most complete fighters in the division today. However, he still lacks the total aura of dominance Khabib exuded inside the cage.<\/p>\n
Dustin Poirier\u2019s Firsthand Comparison<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Dustin Poirier, who fought both champions, offered his perspective:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI think Khabib was physically stronger. But Islam\u2019s pressure was insane. I\u2019ve never felt anything like it\u2026 He was consistent the entire fight. These guys are all strong, but they don\u2019t dominate like that. That pressure, especially during the D\u2019Arce choke\u2014it was like a steel grip.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
A Dream Match That Will Likely Never Happen<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Even Georges St-Pierre couldn’t settle the debate. Stats are one thing, but fighting style, mental game, and control are another.<\/p>\n
Khabib retired at the top, while Islam is still building his legacy.
Their clash will likely remain a fantasy\u2014and perhaps that’s for the best. The mystery fuels the myth, and the legend lives on.<\/p>\nKhabib Nurmagomedov explains why Islam Makhachev doesn\u2019t want to fight Ilia Topuria<\/strong><\/p>\n
Naturally, this raises questions about who Makhachev should face next. He has already fought many top contenders, but there are still a few names that could present a real challenge. The most obvious name right now is Ilia Topuria, but another is Arman Tsarukyan, who had to pull out of their scheduled UFC 311 bout due to a last-minute injury.<\/p>\n