Khabib Nurmagomedov names Justin Gaethje as toughest UFC test

Khabib Nurmagomedov has identified the single toughest opponent from his legendary undefeated career. The retired UFC Hall of Famer told Lex Fridman that Justin Gaethje provided his greatest test, a fight shadowed by the death of his father and injuries.

Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov call Justin Gaethje his toughest fight?

Nurmagomedov, who retired in March 2021, said the October 2020 bout was uniquely difficult. He lost his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, to Covid-19 before the fight. Training without him was emotionally draining. Physically, Khabib battled multiple injuries during that camp. He stated Gaethje came closest to finding his limit inside the octagon.

How did Umar Nurmagomedov's loss impact the title picture?

The Nurmagomedov camp faced a major setback just days ago. Umar Nurmagomedov suffered a shocking second-round knockout loss to Yadong Song in the UFC Shanghai main event on August 29. He was a heavy betting favorite. This defeat, his first ever by finish, knocked him out of immediate title contention.

Yadong Song's team predicted the exact finish. His boxing coach, Rudy Hernandez, told him he would win by uppercut. They drilled the counter for Umar's left-sided takedown attempts throughout camp. After the win, Song called for a title shot, claiming he could finish champ Petr Yan, Merab Dvalishvili, and Sean O'Malley in rematches.

What was the reaction to Umar Nurmagomedov's knockout loss?

Former UFC fighter Zabit Magomedsharipov called it a "lucky punch." Speaking ahead of his ACBJJ 22 grappling match, Magomedsharipov backed Umar to bounce back. He argued anyone can experience a flash knockout and attributed the result to bad luck rather than a technical flaw. He expressed full confidence in Umar's ability to return stronger.

How is Usman Nurmagomedov approaching free agency?

Another Nurmagomedov protégé is making headlines for his business approach. Usman Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin, is a top MMA free agent after fighting out his PFL contract. In a recent interview, he dismissed a $1 million offer as "a very small amount of money." He suggested that sum would not secure long-term financial stability, advising to use it for living expenses instead. Usman is currently in a 90-day exclusive negotiation window with the PFL, which is reportedly courting him with a $2 million offer.

• Khabib's toughest fight: He named Justin Gaethje, citing his father's death and a difficult injury-riddled camp before their October 2020 bout.
• Umar's upset loss: Yadong Song knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov with a planned uppercut at UFC Shanghai on August 29, derailing his title hopes.
• Usman's free agency: Usman Nurmagomedov is negotiating a new deal, calling $1 million "small money" and seeking a more significant contract.

While Khabib's own legacy is secure, the fighters he mentors are writing new chapters.