Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the legends of the game, recently insisted that Justin Gaethje was the hardest southpaw he ever faced in the UFC. After being in the ring with Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, The Eagle retired from the game after his next fight with Gaethje, as he destroyed the former UFC Champion to finish his career at a glittering 29-0 record. Nevertheless, the Eagle never forgot his meeting with the southpaw, as he maintained that Gaethje hit like a truck.
Khabib Believes Justin Gaethje Hit Him The Hardest
On Mike Tyson’s Hotboxin’ podcast, Khabib mentioned how Justin used to hit like a truck. No other fighter in the UFC hit him as hard as Gaethje, be it his punches, kicks, hooks, or uppercuts. He also spoke about how he baited Gaethje into hitting him, so as to find an opening that he could explore.
Also, it would tire the American fighter fast, something that would allow the Russian to grapple him on the ground and end the match. Goes without saying, such praise would certainly provide Gaethje with a big morale boost, as he looks towards the lightweight world championship.
Once Khabib retired, Charles Oliviera became the next champion after defeating Michael Chandler. Gaethje has also knocked Chandler out, which has brought out a three-round war at UFC 268, whilst demanding a shot at the winner of Oliviera vs Dustin Poirier. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Gaethje mentioned that he knew what he had to do now- and there were certain things beyond his control, so he had to let fate take its course.
Gaethje believes that the sport gets respect due to fighters like Khabib, and the fights that they provide. In order for him to be the legitimate winner, he has to fight the winner of Oliviera and Poirier which could justify his ascent to the crown.
