In a recent interview, UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje shared his thoughts on the comparison between former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and the current lightweight king, Islam Makhachev.
Gaethje, who faced Nurmagomedov back in 2020, was initially uncertain about Makhachev’s abilities, suggesting that the Dagestani might not be thrilled with the matchup. However, after witnessing Makhachev’s dominant performance against Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch, Gaethje’s opinion has seemingly shifted.
“I don’t know, man. I think he’s great,” Gaethje stated, referring to Makhachev. “I mean, I think he’s going to be hard to beat, but he’s not invincible. He knows that. I know that the world knows it because he’s been beaten before.”
While Gaethje acknowledges Makhachev’s prowess inside the octagon, he also recognizes that the Dagestani is not unbeatable, unlike his mentor and former champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired with an unblemished professional record of 29-0.
The key difference, according to Gaethje, lies in Makhachev’s past experiences of losing, which sets him apart from the aura of invincibility that surrounded Nurmagomedov during his reign as the lightweight champion.
As Makhachev continues to establish himself as one of the top lightweights in the UFC, comparisons to his compatriot and friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov, are inevitable. However, Gaethje’s perspective highlights the unique challenges and vulnerabilities that Makhachev brings to the table, making the lightweight division an intriguing landscape for both fighters and fans alike.