Nearly five years ago, the world of mixed martial arts was stunned when UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from the sport. The undefeated Russian fighter had just capped off a perfect 29-0 record with a submission victory over Justin Gaethje, solidifying his dominance in the lightweight division. Over the course of his eight-year UFC career, Nurmagomedov had systematically submitted or overwhelmed nearly every opponent he faced, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
But despite his impressive record and undeniable talent, there is one aspect in which Nurmagomedov has been surpassed by a rising star in the UFC – Khamzat Chimaev. The Swedish-born Chechen fighter has taken the MMA world by storm with his explosive performances and has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC. And in one defining aspect, Chimaev has shockingly been ranked higher than the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
That aspect is none other than the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings. These rankings are a measure of a fighter’s overall skill and success in the sport, taking into account factors such as record, quality of opponents, and recent performances. And in the latest update, Chimaev has been ranked at number 11, while Nurmagomedov sits at number 12.
This may come as a surprise to many fans, as Nurmagomedov has long been considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. But Chimaev’s meteoric rise in the UFC has been nothing short of impressive. In just four fights, he has already amassed a record of 9-0, with all of his victories coming by way of knockout or submission. And he has done so in dominant fashion, with his longest fight lasting just over three minutes.
But it’s not just his record that has caught the attention of the UFC and its fans. Chimaev’s fighting style is a perfect blend of explosive striking and relentless grappling, making him a threat in all areas of the fight. His ability to finish fights quickly and decisively has earned him the nickname “Borz,” which means “wolf” in Chechen, and has drawn comparisons to Nurmagomedov himself.
In fact, Chimaev has even caught the attention of Nurmagomedov, who has praised the young fighter’s skills and potential. In an interview with ESPN, Nurmagomedov said, “He’s a very good fighter. He’s a tough guy. He’s a very good wrestler, very good grappler, and he has very good ground and pound. He’s a very tough guy, and I think he’s going to be a very big star.”
But despite the praise from the former champion, Chimaev remains humble and focused on his own journey in the UFC. In an interview with MMA Junkie, he said, “I don’t think about Khabib. I think about myself. I want to be the best. I want to be the champion. I don’t care about Khabib. I care about myself.”
And it’s this mindset that has propelled Chimaev to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. While Nurmagomedov may have retired as the undefeated champion, Chimaev is just getting started and has already shown that he has what it takes to reach the top of the sport.
Of course, it’s important to note that rankings are subjective and can change at any moment. And it’s not to say that Chimaev is a better fighter than Nurmagomedov – after all, they have never faced each other in the octagon. But the fact that Chimaev has been able to surpass the legendary Nurmagomedov in the pound-for-pound rankings is a testament to his incredible talent and potential.
In the end, it’s clear that both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev are exceptional fighters in their own right. While Nurmagomedov may have retired with a perfect record and a legacy that will be remembered for years to come, Chimaev is just beginning to make his mark in the UFC. And with his impressive skills and unwavering determination, there’s no telling how far he can go in the sport.
