The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
‘Nurmagomedov is just one victory from UFC greatness’
Khabib Nurmagomedov would take another step towards proving he is the greatest fighter in the history of the UFC if he beats lightweight rival Justin Gaethje tonight, according to company president Dana White.
Nurmagomedov has seen off all 28 opponents to hold the mixed martial arts record for the longest active undefeated streak, which he is putting on the line alongside his 155lb title at UFC 254 at the Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi.
If he has his hand raised then White believes the Russian would be the best pound- for- pound fighter within the organisation, overtaking former lightheavyweight champ Jon Jones, while enhancing his standing to be considered as the greatest UFC combatant of all-time.
“I think if Khabib beats Justin on Saturday, he’s the number one pound- for- pound fighter in the world and he’s on his way to ‘Goat’ status,” White said.
“It’s pretty impressive what this guy has done. He’s one of the biggest stars in the sport. You know what I think of Jon Jones and we all talk about what Jon’s accomplished in his career, but look at how many fights this guy (Nurmagomedov) has had and he’s still undefeated.”
Nurmagomedov gave a more modest appraisal of how he wants to be remembered when he bows out of the sport.
He said: “I just want to retire as the undisputed, undefeated UFC lightweight champion. Beating a guy like Justin Gaethje is going to be big for my legacy.”
Nurmagomedov has used his superior wrestling to wear down noted strikers Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier before claiming spectacular submission victories in his most recent two contests.
Gaethje is another opponent renowned for his devastating power, which he demonstrated with a brutal stoppage of Tony Ferguson, sending shockwaves through the division to become interim champion and earn a title shot.
His status as a former AllAmerican wrestler means he could be more successful at keeping the fight off the mat, but Nurmagomedov is undeterred, saying: “I prepare myself to try to take him down 100 times.”
Gaethje, who holds an MMA record of 22 wins and two losses, is well aware of the challenge he faces as he believes Nurmagomedov is yet to even lose a round, but said: “We’ll both go out and fight for our lives, it’s who we are.”