LeBron James Will Get Obliterated by Khabib Nurmagomedov in a Fight, Says Dana White

UFC CEO Dana White gives a grim ending to a hypothetical bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and LeBron James.

LeBron James Will Get Obliterated by Khabib Nurmagomedov in a Fight, Says Dana White

Khabib Nurmagomedov would absolutely destroy LeBron James in a fight, says Dana White (via X)

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Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history, celebrated for his relentless style and undefeated record. The former lightweight champion retired at the very peak of his career with a record of 29-0, leaving behind 3 title defenses at 155lbs that cemented his legacy. Any time the conversation turns to the elite of MMA, Nurmagomedov’s name is never far away.

Even years after stepping away, ‘The Eagle’ continues to make headlines with his sharp opinions and fight predictions. UFC CEO Dana White has openly admitted that the Dagestani’s early retirement at just 32 was one of his biggest disappointments, believing the Dagestani star could have accomplished even more.

In a recent interview during the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight week, the UFC head honcho was even asked how NBA legend LeBron James would fare in a fight against Nurmagomedov, and his response quickly stirred attention.

10 seconds (LeBron will last), He’s gonna get him and he’s gonna strangle him or rip his arm off.

Dana White via Overtime 

White also mentioned how YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul would last longer than the Lakers star against Nurmagomedov. Despite their long-standing beef, White acknowledged Paul’s boxing background and fighting experience. In comparison, ‘King James’ has no background in combat sports despite his incredible athletic ability and size advantage. 

Nurmagomedov’s career was strongly defined by his incredible wrestling skills, something he consistently used against all of his toughest opponents. The UFC Hall of Famer always liked to shoot multiple relentless takedowns, gaining control and dragging his opponents into ‘deep ocean’.

After Nurmagomedov, the only fighter who has been truly able to bring a similar level of wrestling dominance is Khamzat Chimaev. Following the Chechen’s dominant middleweight title victory at UFC 319, there has been an ongoing heated discussion between Nurmagomedov and Chimaev about UFC wrestling supremacy.

Nevertheless, following his retirement, ‘The Eagle’ shifted his full focus towards coaching and successfully helped fighters like Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov. After the former 155lbs kingpin, Makhachev has impressively been able to continue carrying forward the powerful Dagestani dominance inside the Octagon.

Former UFC champ compares Khabib Nurmagomedov to Michael Jordan

In a sport where violence and brutal injuries are common, Khabib Nurmagomedov retired without receiving a single serious scratch. The fighter defeated some of the biggest lightweights in UFC history and notably shared an iconic rivalry with Conor McGregor.

Both athletes together sold the biggest pay-per-view event in company history at UFC 229, creating massive anticipation and unforgettable global mainstream media attention.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are compared to LeBron James
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are compared to LeBron James (via X)

Even years after their highly publicized fight, Nurmagomedov and McGregor still maintain their bitter grudge and continue exchanging sharp words publicly. However, unlike the controversial McGregor, Nurmagomedov has successfully managed to maintain a mostly positive and respectful public image. 

He has inspired millions of aspiring fighters from his region to pursue MMA careers and follow his dedicated, disciplined path. According to former 170lbs kingpin Belal Muhammad, Nurmagomedov’s skills and influence are considered as massive and impactful as the legendary Michael Jordan.

One day of training with Khabib is worth 100 days training with anybody else. The knowledge, just the energy you get from them guys, it’s priceless….I’m training with the Michael Jordan of the sport in Khabib, and Islam is basically like the LeBron James of the sport.

Belal Muhammad via MMA Junkie

Muhammad has trained multiple times alongside Team Khabib, and their work was instrumental in his UFC 304 title victory against Leon Edwards. Currently, Nurmagomedov’s coaching attention is towards Makhachev, who is fully focused on his intense training camp ahead of the much-anticipated welterweight title fight with Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

The fight is scheduled to take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, and entering the event, the Dagestani remains the betting favorite. According to Nurmagomedov, Della Maddalena might actually present the single biggest challenge for Makhachev throughout his impressive career.

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