Retired UFC Fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov Gives a Massive Shout-Out to British Boxer Tyson Fury

Khabib Nurmagomedov has given high praise to Tyson Fury prior to the UFC 254 main event. The undefeated, undisputed lightweight champion won his twenty-ninth professional fight against Justin Gaethje less than 24 hours ago.

Thus, cementing his place as one of the greatest combat sports athletes of all time. However, before the fight, Khabib explained why he took the Gaethje match, and how Tyson Fury was an example for him.

The undefeated champion said, “If you want to build yourself, like if you want to become a legend, you have to take risks. Like when you fight against somebody, it has to be a risk. People have to talk about, ‘Oh maybe he lose, maybe he win.’ ”

This is exactly what happened before the UFC 254 main event fight against Gaethje. There were many questions asked about Khabib Nurmagomedov. But the legendary grappler showed just why he is considered the greatest.

Khabib Nurmagomedov On Tyson Fury’s fights

The Russian gave the example of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury when talking about becoming a legend. Nurmagomedov pointed out the opponents the British champion has fought.

He said, “For example, Tyson Fury, why did he become big? He took a fight [against] Klitschko, he beat him. People talk about Klitschko going to beat him. Then he fought against Wilder, Drew, and then again he fights Wilder.

“People talk about 50-50, or maybe Wilder going to knock him out. He comes him, smash him, you know. Like dominate him, that’s why he became big. You have to take challenges.”  Thus, referring to the blockbuster fights with Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder.

This explains why the undefeated champion never shied away from any fights in the UFC. His last three fights have included tough victories over Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, and Justin Gaethje.

Therefore, one can safely assume that even in his own eyes, Khabib Nurmagomedov is a legend of the sport. Even by his own high standards, the Russian retired as a legend of the sport.