As unstoppable as Khabib Nurmagomedov appears, nobody stays excellent without end and there are nonetheless some nice fighters on the market who’ve but to sq. off with Russian UFC champ – and people are the threats we will give attention to.
On the earth of blended martial arts, few fighters are at present as dominant as Khabib Nurmagomedov. Properly, scratch that, few fighters within the historical past of the game have EVER been as dominant because the 28-Zero Dagestani destroyer.
The Sambo grasp has solely misplaced one spherical all through his whole 12-fight UFC tenure. That totals out to ‘The Eagle’ hovering excessive in 30 out of 31 rounds. And that is to not point out the truth that a lot of these have been awarded 10-Eight scores from the judges.
His smothering strain and cruel floor and pound have led him all the way in which to a world title as he at present holds the UFC light-weight crown and is one among Russia’s largest superstars.
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After making it previous two of his best checks in his previous two fights in opposition to Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, it leaves the world questioning, “Can anybody cease this man?”
Whether or not it is a bear or a human, it should take a particular particular person to take out one among MMA’s finest. However to maintain issues real looking, we aren’t going to incorporate any prime welterweight fighters as Nurmagomedov has shared his lack of curiosity in transferring up in weight.
So with out additional ado, these are the highest 5 largest threats to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Beginning issues off on this record is everybody’s favourite fisherman apart from Kyoji Horiguchi, Gregor Gillespie.
Like Nurmagomedov, the person generally known as ‘The Reward’ has been flawless all through his profession. And along with his excellent 13-Zero file, he is been dispatching his opponents in fairly related vogue to the present champion.
Gillespie is a four-time NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler and holds the file for many wins in his college of Edinboro College’s historical past with 152. He additionally holds the file for many wins as a freshman with 40. Accompany that with a nationwide championship in 2007 and Gillespie has loads of spectacular accolades from his time as a wrestler.
These expertise have mirrored contained in the Octagon as he is now 6-Zero within the UFC having completed all however one among his opponents. As unbelievable a grappler as he is confirmed to be, Gillespie has additionally proven that he has crisp boxing however may also brawl if needed.
In whole, the Webster, New York native solely has two choice wins with six knockouts and 5 submissions. His strengths are evident however he is well-rounded sufficient to hold with anybody.
Gillespie has but to face any top-ranked opponents however as soon as he does, we’ll get a greater glimpse at how prepared he’s to try to snatch ‘The Eagle’s’ Zero away from him.
Charles Oliveira has been within the UFC for nearly 10 years now, which is loopy to consider.
At present driving a really spectacular five-fight successful streak in his return to the 155-pound weight class, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt has damaged and now begun extending the UFC file for many submission victories. That file was previously held by the legendary Royce Gracie.
Nurmagomedov has handled BJJ black belts earlier than comparable to Rafael Dos Anjos, however with regards to attacking and going for submissions, few accomplish that the way in which that Oliveira does.
His selection in submission assault is what makes him so harmful. We’re speaking a few man who has efficiently executed a calf-slicer to get a win. Plus the quite a few guillotines and anaconda chokes, this is not a man you need to take a look at your submission protection in opposition to.
The most effective battle that has but to occur! Khabib vs Ferguson. We’ll see if the fifth time finally ends up being the allure.
Tony Ferguson has been on an equally spectacular run as Nurmagomedov within the light-weight division and it is significantly mind-blowing to see such streaks taking place throughout the identical time interval.
‘El Cucuy’ is likely one of the most unorthodox fighters that the game has ever seen and his tempo is nearly unmatched. Ferguson is extremely harmful and well-rounded in all areas of the battle… which is what makes him such a menace for Nurmagomedov.
Ferguson retains coming at his opponents with any strike he can consider till they have been battered and damaged. But when the chance presents itself, he can snatch up a limb or sink in a choke.
Many appear to see Ferguson because the final doable menace to Nurmagomedov, and for good cause. Hopefully, we’ll be attending to see them lastly compete for his or her subsequent occasions out.
The human spotlight reel has been reborn, as evidenced by his final three fights.
Proper up till he was clocked by Dustin Poirier to undergo his second consecutive loss in his profession, Gaethje was insanity personified. And he nonetheless is to a level.
Arguably one of the best leg kicker within the recreation proper now, Gaethje hits as laborious as anybody at light-weight and forces his opponents to really feel the strain he brings. Nevertheless, as talked about, in his extra reserved efforts in his final three fights, he is remained harmful whereas nonetheless combating to his strengths.
Gaethje’s secret weapon is his glorious wrestling background as he, like Gillespie, can be an NCAA Division 1 All-American. The person simply prefers to placed on a present and let his fists do the speaking.
In a battle with Nurmagomedov, his not often seen wrestling chops would completely be put to the restrict.
Okay, we all know what you are pondering. This one could be a bit of little bit of dishonest however this can be a battle that Nurmagomedov and his administration appear to need greater than another.
“GSP” is arguably the best fighter of all-time. His sensational mix of boxing and wrestling was and nonetheless has but to be matched. Having the scale benefit over Khabib with the talents and battle IQ he possesses immediately makes this one of the crucial fascinating match-ups in MMA historical past.
In his 28-fight profession, St-Pierre has outwrestled his opponents collectively 102 takedowns to only 10. As unimaginable of a stat as that’s, Nurmagomedov might very nicely have it surpassed as within the UFC alone he has scored 59 takedowns to one among his 12 opponents.
Who is aware of if St-Pierre will find yourself popping out of retirement to try to make this battle occur. But when he does, it would not be loopy to see the 37-year previous Canadian declare yet one more divisional title. He did it the final time we noticed him in any case…
By Drake Riggs for RT Sport
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