

UFC welterweight star Nate Diaz took to social media and shared his views on a recent lightweight match-up that unfolded. UFC 254 wrapped up the UFC’s five-week-long stint on Fight Island and Khabib Nurmagomedov came out victorious in the headliner. Chiefly, ‘The Eagle’ tied the lightweight title defense record at three when he submitted Justin Gaethje via triangle choke.
The first-round came across as somewhat of a surprise to everyone watching as Nurmagomedov chose to stand with Gaethje. ‘The Highlight’ seemed more focused on staying away from the cage than avoiding Khabib’s jab. By the end of the round, the eyeball test would suggest that Nurmagomedov was on his way to another win.

via Getty
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: (R-L) Justin Gaethje kicks Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on October 25, 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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Nate Diaz tears down ‘The Eagle’
While the entire MMA community raved about Khabib’s sheer dominance over the now-former interim champion, Nate Diaz wasn’t impressed. Stockton’s second son made his feelings known about Nurmagomedov’s win and perhaps his legacy at lightweight.
29 and 1
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) October 25, 2020
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However, the social media trolling aside, there remains no doubt in the minds of fighters and fans as to who was actually victorious. From the opening moments of the fight, Khabib smothered Justin Gaethje with pressure on the feet that brought a new dimension to his game. Not to mention, he proved that he was lethal off his back and on the ground, as he threatened armbars and inverted triangles before the finish came.
Additionally, Khabib now holds the record for being the only fighter with three submission wins in lightweight title bouts. This feat is more impressive when considering the level of opposition he’s faced. Barring the somewhat cursed fight against Tony Ferguson, he has cleared out all the top-tier competition currently present at lightweight.
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via Getty
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: (L-R) Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia celebrates his victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on October 25, 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The 155-pound weight class will have a complete upheaval now that the Dagestani fighter has elected to retire. In light of his decision, a tournament of sorts has been created amongst the top-six fighters in the division. They will be keen to duke it out for the coveted lightweight throne. Moreover, the lightweight division has long since been the gold standard of the UFC. The seasoned contenders who have been waiting in the wings are a testament to that.
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