Lightweight Division
Covid-19 has turned the lives of EVERYONE upside down and has presented challenges in all aspects of life. The UFC was affected just as every other sport was, with countries closing their borders, and quarantine orders being put into place. This main event has had opponent changes, venue changes, and date changes; but now, it’s finally here.
Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov, hopes to continue his journey to solidifying his position as the pound for pound best Lightweight in UFC history. Khabib has in his own words “smashed the faces” of all of his opponents so far in the UFC. Edson Barboza, Al Iaquinta, Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier are just a few names of fighters who have all fallen victim to Khabib’s destructive fighting and wrestling style. At 28-0, no one has been able to defeat Khabib, but there’s one Lightweight with heavy hands, that thinks he might be the one to do it.
Tony Ferguson was scheduled to fight Khabib earlier this year, but because Khabib could not leave Russia due to quarantine restrictions, a short notice opponent was called on to take his place. Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje , just as his nickname would suggest, put on a show in the first main event fight on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, getting a fifth round stoppage against Ferguson, after beating him like no one has before. This win made him the Lightweight interim champion, putting him next in line to fight for Khabib’s belt. I want to say, that I have watched the Gaethje v.s Ferguson fight over 15 times. That fight is that good. Seriously, go watch it if you haven’t. It is brutal, it is bloody, and it showcased Gathje’s hands like we have never seen before. The power and accuracy of Gaethje’s striking is what leads people to believe that he will be one of the toughest opponents that Khabib has ever faced.
I'm almost reluctant to give stats for these two fighters because I don’t know how much they’ll matter. But here I go.
Khabib is 28-0, 12 fights in the UFC, a total of eight TKO’s and 10 submission victories.
Justin Gaethje on the other hand, is 22-2, with 7 UFC fights, a total of 19 TKO’s and only one submission victory. Khabib’s takedown accuracy is 49.78% while Gaethje has a significant strike accuracy of 59.18%. Keep those two stats in mind while watching this fight I think they’ll be the most important.
This fight makes me question everything I know! There are so many WHAT IF’S and things to consider when debating who will win this fight. Khabib is known for his ground game. If you think Khabib will stand and box with Gaethje the entirety of this fight you are dead wrong! Something that raises questions for me is the fact that not only does Justin Gaethje possess sickening power in his hands, he is also a life-long wrestler; beginning wrestling at four years old, becoming a two time Arizona State wrestling champion, and becoming an NCAA Division 1 All-American. You see what I’m getting at here? We don't see a ton of takedowns or wrestling from Gaethje in his UFC fights, so is his wrestling a tool that he's taken off the shelf and refined for this fight? The key to victory for Justin Gaethje will be to deny Khabib of his takedowns. Easier said than done.
This fight will not disappoint, it just won’t I can promise you all that! With an undefeated fighter who has proved as skillful as Khabib, it is almost silly to bet against him, so I wont.
Hammer: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nail: Justin Gaethje
Prediction: Even though my heart of hearts wants Justin Gaethje to win, my mind cannot ignore the facts. I think that this fight will go the distance and Khabib Nurmagomedov will win a split decision against Justin Gaethje.
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