5 current lightweights who could’ve beaten UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as the greatest UFC lightweight fighter in history. Under the tutelage of his late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, ’The Eagle’ crafted the perfect grappling-based style for MMA.

Not only did Khabib go undefeated, he lost just two rounds in his whole career. Even more astoundingly, no one managed to draw blood from the Dagestani wrestler in combat.

Bowing out at 29-0, Khabib’s perfect record and legacy is set as he moves into promoting and coaching full time.

However, despite the incredible success and dominance he enjoyed throughout his career, there were many notable scalps 'The Eagle' did not collect. Furthermore, there are certain fighters he never faced who may very well have had the tools to upset the sambo maestro.

Here are five fighters who could’ve defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov:

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#5. Former Bellator lightweight champion and UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler

The longtime ace of the Bellator lightweight division has been making waves since he debuted for the UFC this year. At UFC 257, the collegiate wrestling standout put Dan Hooker to sleep just two and a half minutes into round one. Michael Chandler’s penchant for throwing heavy duty bombs has netted him 10 knockout wins in his career.

While Chandler came up short in his UFC lightweight title bid against Charles Oliveria at UFC 262, he remains a prominent figure in the division. A three-time Bellator lightweight champion, his six losses may make him look like an odd fit for vanquishing Khabib.

However, if there’s one thing ‘Iron’ has proven over the years, it’s that his fists can surprise you at any moment. Throw his devastating shots in with his mastery of choke holds and takedowns and suddenly ‘The Eagle’ could be in trouble.

On the feet, Chandler would have the striking advantage. While Khabib is the superior wrestler with a more dangerous ground game, Chandler has enough defense and know-how to keep himself safe.

If ‘The Eagle’ fails to get Chandler on the ground early, his risk of getting his chin tested goes up. Either way, this would’ve been one grueling, hard hitting bout for fight fans to enjoy.

#4. Current Bellator lightweight and former featherweight champion Patricio Freire

Bellator’s two division warrior sent UFC defector Michael Chandler's lightweight title reign packing back at Bellator 221. Of his 32 wins, Freire has scored 12 submissions and 11 knockouts. Basically, ‘Pitbull’ (how many pitbulls does MMA have?) is as deadly on the feet as he is on the ground.

A former two-time Bellator featherweight champion, Freire currently holds Bellator’s lightweight crown. Similar to Conor McGregor in the UFC, Freire used his featherweight gold at the time to springboard to his lightweight title showdown with Chandler.

A hard-hitting, strong-chinned 17-year veteran of MMA, Freire’s record of 32-5 isn’t quite as perfect as Khabib’s. However, his fast and aggressive cocktail of brutal jabs, heel hooks and guillotine chokes would make him a very formidable foe.

Nurmagomedov’s fearless approach to pressure fighting could’ve landed him in serious trouble against the fast hands of Freire.

#3. Current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira is one of the finest submission artists of his generation. The Brazilian grappler holds the record for most submissions in the UFC at 14 and most finishes overall at 17.

The current UFC lightweight champion is a third degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His arsenal of deadly submissions holds is one of the vastest in MMA today.

To top it all off, Oliveira has improved his striking in recent years. At UFC 262, Oliveira showcased his fast and angry hands when he scored a TKO win over Michael Chandler in round two. The win made him the first undisputed UFC lightweight champion since ‘The Eagle’ hung up his gloves.

On the ground, Oliveira is one of the most dangerous men alive. Despite Khabib’s low opinion of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Oliveira’s submissions and guards would make him a worthy opponent.

On the feet, the two are of a similar striking level. For Oliveira, beating ’The Eagle’ would be astonishingly difficult but by no means impossible.

#2. Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson

The UFC's big money fight that never was.

Five times Dana White tried to get ‘El Cucuy’ in the ring with ‘The Eagle’ and five times it fell through. The most cursed match-up in UFC history could very well have become the 1 in 29-1 had it happened.

Tony Ferguson, despite never having held undisputed UFC lightweight gold, is one of the most fearsome fighters the division has ever seen. Explosive, volatile and unpredictable, his unique blend of boxing, Wing Chun and Muay Thai makes him a devastating striker.

To top off his multi-faceted punch and kick combinations, Ferguson is also an accomplished collegiate wrestler. Essentially, the eccentric Californian has often proven to be the total package in the octagon.

On the feet, Ferguson is a vastly superior striker to ’The Eagle’ and likely would’ve put Khabib’s underrated durability to the test. On the ground, like almost everyone, Ferguson would’ve been at a severe disadvantage. However, considering his impressive pound-for-pound strength and coordination, it’s plausible Ferguson would’ve resisted getting caught in any submission holds.

Overall, Tony Ferguson has proven to be one of the most dangerous lightweight fighters in recent years. Prior to his current three match skid, it’s likely a focused Ferguson could’ve secured the upset on ‘The Eagle’.

#1. UFC lightweight rising star Islam Makhachev

Is there any fighter who knows Khabib better?

The UFC lightweight division’s fastest rising star has been training with Khabib Nurmagomedov since they were kids. In 2021, the 29 year-old Makhachev is carving his way through the UFC lightweight field.

The former Combat Sambo world champion has proven to be so vicious and so dangerous with his grappling that most fighters are steering clear. Makhachev has lost just once in his career to Adriano Martins at UFC 192.

In the six years since his surprise KO loss, Makhachev has shown improvement in all areas. Now a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, there’s another obvious reason Makhachev would be such a challenge for ‘The Eagle’: they have the same fighting style.

Most of Nurmagomedov’s opponents struggled to make head or tail of his unique blend of wrestling and sambo. For Makhachev, he will have all bases covered given he has trained with ‘The Eagle’ for decades. Furthermore, Makhachev has not suffered the level of wear and tear Khabib did during his career.

If these two had crossed paths, it’s plausible Makhachev could’ve broken Khabib’s lengthy undefeated streak. After all, who would be better prepped for ‘The Eagle’ and his tricks than his childhood pal and training partner?