‘This Guy He Hit Like a Truck’- Khabib Nurmagomedov Names His Toughest Opponent in UFC

Khabib Nurmagomedov is inarguably one of the greatest lightweight fighters in the UFC. The Dagestan’s son has an impressive undefeated record of 29-0 under his name.

The former champion has fought many of the best UFC fighters during his time. However, no one could ever outclass ‘The Eagle’ inside the UFC octagon. Interestingly, one lightweight fighter gave Nurmagomedov the taste of being hit by a truck from his kicks and punches.

‘The Eagle’ claims that one of the vicious strikers, Justin Gaethje, was the toughest opponent that he faced in his career. While talking about ‘The Highlight’ on the Mike Tyson podcast, Nurmagomedov said, “This guy he hit like a truck, you know.”

“Nobody hit me harder than Justin Gaethje. His kick, his punch, his left hook, right hook, right uppercut. I make him hit me, you know. When I go to the cage and I was sitting like.”

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“Okay, I’m going to go. I’m going to bring him into the deep ocean. I’m going to make him tired in stand-up and I’m going to bring him on the ground and finish him.”

Nurmagomedov and Gaethje crossed paths at UFC 254 for the lightweight title. It was a five-round battle. However, ‘The Eagle’ submitted Gaethje in the second round of the bout and successfully defended his lightweight gold.

After UFC 254 Nurmagomedov hung up his gloves forever because he didn’t want to continue professional fighting without his father by his side, who passed away in 2020.

Meanwhile, Gaethje is fresh from his recent win and eyeing the lightweight title next. But ‘The Eagle’ is backing his long-time friend and training partner, Islam Makhachev, for the gold strap.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Wants Islam Makhachev to Get the Title Shot

‘The Highlight’ secured one of the biggest wins of his UFC career by defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 268. He has now secured his position on the lightweight roster and stands #2 among all.

Ever since then, Gaethje is demanding a shot against the winner of the title fight between Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira. However, ‘The Eagle’ doesn’t agree with the American-born. Instead, he backs the #4 contender Islam Makhachev.

Nurmagomedov commented on an ESPN post and said, “In last 8 fight, you got finished 3 times Justin. You had an opportunity to become champion, but you fell asleep. Islam is on the 9 win streak, 3 fights in 2021, and all finishes. Just shut up and admit that Islam deserves this title shot, not you.”

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Islam Makhachev is fresh from his first-round submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC 267. This win marked his ninth straight victory in the lightweight division.

Hence, the former champion is backing Makhachev for the 155lbs title over Gaethje. However, nothing is official yet and hence they will have to wait for the UFC to decide.

What are your thoughts on Nurmagomedov’s words? Who do you think is next for the lightweight gold? Let us know in the comments below.