“He beats them all,” UFC legends claim retired Khabib Nurmagomedov could defeat every current lightweight on the roster

UFC legends Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith claim Khabib Nurmagomedov's prime form as unbeatable in today's lightweight division.

“He beats them all,” UFC legends claim retired Khabib Nurmagomedov could defeat every current lightweight on the roster

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira (Image courtesy: IMAGO)

UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s illustrious MMA career is applauded by everyone in combat sports. However, his retirement left a lot of unanswered questions about his greatness. The Dagestani wrestler left the octagon with an unbeaten record and was in his prime. But many fans believe that Khabib’s glory can be enacted by today’s lightweights. On Michael Bisping’s Believe You Me YouTube channel, UFC Legend Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith had a discussion on this topic.

In the video, Bisping addresses his comments made about Khabib’s career before Charles Oliveira went up against Islam Makhachev at UFC 280. Bisping believed that Oliveira’s win against Islam could take away Khabib’s title as the GOAT. However, the former middleweight champion backtracked on his comments after Islam’s win at UFC 280.

Later, Smith and Bisping spoke about this possibility again due to a rematch set at UFC 294. Smith said, “If he (Oliveira) would’ve beaten Islam, and if he beats him this time, he might be (GOAT). And I’m not saying that Charles beats Khabib. Because if I’m being 100 percent honest, Khabib in his prime, when he was competing regularly, I still think smokes all the lightweights.“

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Both Smith and Bisping have vast experience to put some strength behind their claims. Bisping was the former middleweight champion and also had a decorated career in MMA. Smith, on the other hand, is a veteran who has been a part of the UFC for a long time.

However, both legends believe that Khabib’s prime was insurmountable. Further, Bisping stated that Oliveira’s win at UFC 294 could potentially entice Khabib into making a comeback in the fight game.

Related: “This changes everything” – Fans fear for Charles Oliveira as Khabib Nurmagomedov joins as head coach for Islam Makhachev’s fight at UFC 294

Khabib Nurmagomedov will not be present in Islam Makhachev’s corner at UFC 294

Huge news for MMA fans makes way as Usman Nurmagomedov reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s absence from Islam Makhachev’s corner for UFC 294. ‘The Eagle’, after his retirement, has always shown support to his teammates for their fights. Previously, at UFC 280, Khabib’s presence made a huge difference as Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev(Image courtesy: Bleacher Report)

However, the duo is set to go at it again in their much-anticipated rematch on October 21. As such, Khabib’s absence could play a huge role in this upcoming fight. Recently, Islam updated his fans with Khabib’s participation in his training camp. However, as per Usman, Khabib will not be present in Islam’s corner at UFC 294. The Bellator fighter said that Khabib’s participation limits the training sessions and brings good energy to the camp.

The UFC Hall of Famer’s absence could be damaging for Islam as he takes on his second title contender. Previously, Islam fought a close fight against Alexander Volkanovski in Khabib’s absence at UFC 284. However, the lightweight champion will not be hoping for the same fate against Oliveira.

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