Khabib Nurmagomedov Comments on Justin Gaethje's Fighting Style

Khabib Nurmagomedov recalled Justin Gaethje as the hardest hitter he ever faced.

What happened at UFC 254?

Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted Justin Gaethje in round two of the Abu Dhabi main event in October 2020. Gaethje connected with some shots against Nurmagomedov, who knew he was sharing the Octagon with a frightening force.

Khabib Nurmagomedov's assessment of Justin Gaethje

Nurmagomedov said on the Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson podcast in 2021: “Justin Gaethje, when I go to the cage, this guy, he hits like a truck.” Nobody hit Nurmagomedov harder than Gaethje, with his kicks, punches, left hook, right hook, and right uppercut. Ilia Topuria will likely agree with Nurmagomedov's sentiment after being hit with Gaethje's devastating strikes.

The impact of Justin Gaethje's fighting style

Topuria was forced to quit on the stool before the fifth round due to severe damage sustained during their 20 minutes in the cage. Gaethje finished Ilia Topuria inside the distance to become the first man to beat ‘El Matador’ in mixed martial arts at Sunday’s UFC event on the White House lawn. And Nurmagomedov may not be surprised to have seen his ex-rival deal out such significant damage.

What's next for Justin Gaethje?

Justin Gaethje finally achieved undisputed status in the lightweight division after two failed attempts at becoming the undisputed lightweight king. Gaethje made two failed attempts at becoming the undisputed lightweight king before dethroning Topuria in Washington, DC. The American fan favorite left his Spanish opponent unrecognizable after four brutal rounds.