WATCH: Khabib Nurmagomedov Grapples Bigger Opponent as Preparation Heats up for UFC 254

Khabib Nurmagomedov reigns atop the lightweight division as champion. However, his title is not undisputed. Interim champion Justin Gaethje will fight at UFC 254 to unify the two belts.

Khabib has had an emotional few months. After his fight with Tony Ferguson fell apart due to the pandemic, Khabib would lose his mentor and father, Abdulmanap Nuramgomedov. Despite the tragedy, he looks ready for the Gaethje challenge in less than a month.

Footage of him wrestling a much larger opponent in sparring sessions has come out. Nurmagomedov dominates the wrestling matchup with the same style we see him use inside the UFC octagon. He ended the sparring session by making his opponent tap out to an arm triangle.

While Gaethje has credentials as a college wrestler, we haven’t seen him use that side of his arsenal inside the cage yet. Against Khabib, he may not have a choice. With footage confirming that Khabib is still improving his wrestling, we can draw a guess as to where ‘The Eagle’ wants to take the fight.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje: Who wins?

It is hard for anyone to say that Khabib will lose to ‘The Highlight’. But it’s equally callous to say that Gaethje stands no chance in front of the 28-0 fighter. While the challenger would do his damage while on the feet, does he have the tools to stop Khabib from taking it to the ground?

Fans know that Khabib can be comfortable in striking exchanges, but that is to set up entry points for his wrestling. All fights start standing up, so if Gaethje can attack quickly and with strength, the fight may move his way. Khabib’s chin hasn’t been tested that often in his career and ‘The Highlight’ can pose some serious questions.

While Gaethje could do damage on the feet, there is a reason Khabib has never lost a professional fight. He knows how to neutralize the best weapons of his opponent. We saw him try to even stand and bang with Conor McGregor. Now as he fights for his father’s memory, we may see a dangerous Khabib unleashed or he may seem lost inside the cage.

Odds are, Khabib pulls out another win for his third title defense as his style is proven to be unstoppable. Gaethje may have more vulnerabilities against the Dagestani fighter than he has had in previous losses to the likes of Dustin Poirier. It is set to b close, but not close enough for Justin.

Who do you see winning the UFC 254 main event?