Khabib Nurmagomedov: ‘The Eagle’ Khabib is one of the most recognizable names in MMA history. A former UFC undisputed champion, many fighters even consider Khabib a role model. And while he accumulated heaps of plaudits during his career, he also got his fair share of criticism. One such was his lack of interest in re-matching his opponent. So let’s see why. For more combat sports news, follow Insidesport.IN.
Khabib finished his career unbeaten with a 29-0 record, and an undisputed UFC lightweight title. You would think that there is very little to criticize for someone with this record. However, the Russian never escaped the critics. The majority of whom focused on his choice of opponents.
Why Did Khabib Nurmagomedov Never Give His Opponents Rematches?
Why did Khabib Never rematch any of his opponents?
The biggest talking point about Khabib’s career is his choice of opponents. MMA fans will often point out that the Russian never faced many top fighters. With Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, the only big names on his CV. He even won the title against Al Iaquinta.
Although Khabib beat three world-class fighters in the form of McGregor, Poirier, and Gaethje, he never showed interest in re-matching any of them. Moreover, all these fights were successful events for the UFC and all three opponents have shown interest in rematches.
However, the blunt facts are that Khabib dominated his opponents. Generally, fighters rematch their opponents when it was a close fight. But Khabib always dominated his opponents. The only fight which could have been a real possibility was the rematch with Conor McGregor. Their rivalry was the biggest in the sport, and McGregor even gave Khabib his hardest fight. In addition, it would have been a massive PPV.
Despite this, the Russian never showed an interest and always pointed to the fact that he submitted the Irishman. Ultimately, while fans missed out on some exciting rematches, Khabib had nothing to prove. Yes, re-matching and wiping out the division would have boosted his resume and GOAT status. However, the Russian was content with what he achieved and decided to call it a day.
However, because of this, fans will always point toward his resume when his name comes up in the GOAT conversations.
What do you make of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s resume? Do you think he should have re-matched the likes of Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje?
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