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LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 06: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia looks across the Octagon at his opponent Conor McGregor of Ireland in their UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 229 event inside T-Mobile Arena on October 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 06: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia looks across the Octagon at his opponent Conor McGregor of Ireland in their UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 229 event inside T-Mobile Arena on October 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Khabib Nurmagomedov boasts of an untarnished MMA record of 29-0. Often considered as the longest streak of fights without a loss, most fans view his record as the single greatest achievement in the sport. However, not a lot of fans would know that ‘The Eagle’ doesn’t hold the record for the longest stretch of fights without suffering a loss.
Former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao holds the record for most consecutive fights without a single loss. His run began in May 2005 and continued till February 2014, stretching over 32 fights. The Brazilian found most of his success outside the UFC and the WEC. However, even under the bright lights, Barao finished several massive names.
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He holds wins over the likes of Urijah Faber (twice), Eddie Wineland, and Brad Pickett. In a division that took its shape around names such as Dominick Cruz, Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, and Cody Garbrandt, Barao is the unsung hero who is often forgotten. Despite the debacles towards the end of his run in the UFC, Barao still holds a record that Khabib Nurmagomedov is highly unlikely to challenge.
How far is Khabib Nurmagomedov from breaking Renan Barao’s record?
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s professional record stands at 29-0. As of the last few months, his status was that of a retired fighter. However, after meeting with Dana White, there is a ray of hope among fans who wish to see more of his exploits inside the Octagon.
Assuming ‘The Eagle’ flies once again, he would have to win four fights barring any losses. Given his form over the last three outings, it wouldn’t be very difficult. However, the lightweight division is a shark tank with multiple opponents lurking around for a shot at Nurmagomedov’s belt.
Two of the biggest fighters that seem in contention for a title shot against Khabib, provided he returns, are Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira. The former has a history of an ugly feud with Khabib, which sets the stage for a rematch between the two. Meanwhile, Oliveira looked flawless in his win over Tony Ferguson.
If Khabib returns, it will probably be just more one more fight as he would want to fulfill his father’s dream of 30-0. Therefore, as of now, Renan Barao’s record seems to be safe.
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