Khabib Nurmagomedov was a different level of fighter than anyone he faced in his career. The Dagestani did not even lose one round in the UFC, let alone a fight. He was able to deal with all his opponents on the back of his excellent wrestling and ground game.

This is why he is a necessary fixture of any GOAT discussions. This, of course, has given rise to many fantasy matchups, such as, who would win if Jon Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov were the same size and fought each other. Nurmagomedov himself was asked his thoughts on whether he could beat middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at 185 pounds. His response is a testament to his greatness, class, and humility.

Don’t try to take his greatness: Khabib Nurmagomedov on comparisons with Israel Adesanya

Last year, Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked what he thought of his manager claiming that he could beat Adesanya at 185. With his signature humility, the Dagestani was quick to dismiss the speculation. He said he was not going to fight him, and reminded the interviewer that Adesanya was a great champion and deserved respect for defending his belt for three years at that time. The former lightweight champion also felt the question was a little demeaning to ‘Izzy’ and all of his achievements.

“No, because I’m not going to fight at 185lbs, I’m not gonna fight him, right now this is his time, you know, don’t try to take his greatness you know,” he said. “How many years is he middleweight champion? Three? four? I think he deserves some respect. Don’t treat him like this by saying some lightweight can beat him easily,” he added.

‘The Eagle’ offers to train with Adesanya

The undefeated fighter, however, did offer to train with Adesanya and work on his grappling, as he had done for many fighters of different weight classes in the UFC.

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“If he wants to grapple, we can grapple, you know. In the gym. Like I did lately with all these heavyweights, light heavyweights, middleweights. People talk about this, I didn’t say this. I don’t agree with this,” Nurmagomedov said.

One of the most endearing things about Nurmagomedov is his lack of ego, simplicity, and humility. Anyone who has had dealings with the former champion has only good things to say about him. And while he may face criticisms for not having enough title defenses to cement his legacy as the greatest and fighting sub-par opponents for the most part, it is easy to see why so many consider him the GOAT.

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