Khabib Nurmagomedov is more than just a name in the mixed martial arts community; he is a legend. 155 lbs became a domain of supremacy for the former UFC Lightweight Champion, who had gone undefeated in 29 professional fights. However, why was Khabib’s weight class so important to his achievement? Was it possible for him to defeat other divisions?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov |
| Born | September 20, 1988 (Age 36) |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight Class | Lightweight (155 lbs) |
| Other Divisions | Welterweight (170 lbs) |
| Reach | 70 inches (178 cm) |
| MMA Record | 29 Wins – 0 Losses |
| Style | Combat Sambo, Wrestling, Judo |
| Notable Achievements | UFC Lightweight Champion, UFC Hall of Fame Inductee |
Khabib’s Weight Class: A Benefit for Strategy
For most of his career, Khabib fought in the lightweight division (155 lbs), effectively using his stature, strength, and wrestling to overwhelm opponents. He roamed around weighing close to 200 pounds outside of training camps, thus his weight reductions were extremely challenging yet tactically advantageous.
Khabib’s Weight Loss: The Science Behind It
One of the most taxing parts of professional mixed martial arts is weight loss, and Khabib’s procedure was especially rigorous. Even though he weighed close to 200 pounds, he would lose over 45 pounds before each fight in order to reach the lightweight limit. What made him unique was his capacity to bounce back fast and battle at his best.
Khabib’s Strategies for Losing Weight
- Strict Dieting: Cutting calories gradually over a number of weeks
- Elevated Intensity Exercises: Keeping up strength while losing weight
- Sauna and Water Loading Methods: removing extra water before to weigh-ins
- Hydration Science: Quick recuperation after weighing in for optimal performance
The Reason Khabib Didn’t Advance to Welterweight
Khabib never competed at welterweight (170 lbs) in the UFC, despite his supremacy at 155 lbs. Moving up meant taking on bigger and stronger fighters like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, even if his wrestling and grappling were quite successful at lightweight. His distinctive pressure style might have been mitigated by the size differential, which would have made his triumph less certain.
At 170 pounds, would Khabib have been successful?
For years, this argument has dominated conversations about MMA. Could Khabib have won a division full of top wrestlers with his superior ground game and unrivaled cardio?
💥 Possible Welterweight Difficulties:
- Taking against bigger grapplers like Covington and Usman
- Taking on stronger blows from power punchers
- Losing his lightweight edge in terms of weight reduction
- Khabib’s Best Lightweight Victories
- Khabib proved that his technique was practically unbeatable by defeating some of the top lightweights in UFC history during his career.
Prominent Victories in the Lightweight Class:
- ✔ Conor McGregor: The UFC’s most well-known bout (UFC 229)
- Dustin Poirier defeated the previous interim champion (UFC 242).
- ✔ Justin Gaethje defeated a top grappler in a match (UFC 254)
- A future UFC champion was subdued by Rafael dos Anjos, and one of the division’s most lethal kickers was neutralized by Edson Barboza.
The Never-Happened GSP Superfight
A superfight between Khabib and Georges St-Pierre (GSP) was one of the most eagerly awaited bouts that never happened. Supporters thought that Khabib’s ability to dominate the welterweight class would have been resolved by this fight.
💥 Possible Khabib vs. GSP Results:
- Khabib’s unrelenting wrestling might have put GSP’s takedown defense to the test.
- The size and superior striking of GSP might have caused issues.
- It would have been a battle of endurance due to the superior cardio of both fighters.
- The Effect of Khabib on the Lightweight Division
- The lightweight division was erratic prior to Khabib. Although there were several champions, none were able to maintain a sustained reign. By dominating for over three years and retiring as an unbeaten champion, Khabib changed that.
Khabib’s Revolution in the Lightweight Division
✔ Established a new benchmark for MMA wrestling supremacy
✔ Made strikers adapt their takedown defense
✔ Demonstrated that the highest level of unbeaten records could be sustained
✔ Increased the division’s widespread appeal
Is Khabib the All-Time Greatest Lightweight?
Khabib is regarded by many as the best lightweight fighter in UFC history because of his perfect record, impressive series of victories, and title reign that redefined dominance. He still possesses an unrivaled combination of grappling, stamina, and combat savvy.
💎 The Unmatched Legacy of Khabib:
Never losing a fight in his career, he had a 29-0 record. He defended his championship against top-ranked opponents. He dominated every opponent with his trademark pressure technique. In 2022, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Conclusion: Was It Possible for Someone to Stop Khabib?
Khabib’s supremacy in the lightweight division was the consequence of years of planning, dedication, and unwavering work ethic. It’s unclear if he would have succeeded at welterweight, but one thing is for sure: he had a legendary influence on MMA.
For fight fans, Khabib’s legacy goes beyond his perfect record; it also focuses on setting the standard for greatness in the lightweight class. One of the most successful runs in UFC history will always be his career.
