Khabib Nurmagomedov - Journey to UFC Champion
Khabib Nurmagomedov's journey to becoming a UFC champion was marked by a series of dominant performances and an unblemished record. Here is a brief overview of his path to the top:
Early Career: Khabib made his professional MMA debut in September 2008 and quickly established himself as a dominant force in regional circuits in Russia. He compiled a record of 17 wins and 0 losses before making his way to the UFC.
UFC Debut: Khabib made his UFC debut in January 2012 and quickly impressed fans and analysts with his grappling skills and dominant wins over top-ranked fighters.
Rise to Contention: Over the next few years, Khabib continued to rack up impressive wins and climb the rankings in the lightweight division. He defeated some of the biggest names in the sport, including Rafael dos Anjos and Conor McGregor, on his way to a title shot.
Champion: In April 2018, Khabib finally got his shot at the UFC lightweight championship. He faced Al Iaquinta in the main event of UFC 223 and dominated the fight to win the title via unanimous decision.
Dominant Champion: Khabib went on to defend his title against a series of top contenders, including Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. He retired in October 2020 with a perfect record of 29 wins and 0 losses, cementing his status as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport.
Throughout his career, Khabib was known for his dominant grappling skills, his unwavering confidence, and his humility outside the octagon. His journey to the top of the UFC was a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.