Khabib Nurmagomedov's ex-rival tells his side of the famous "give up" story from eight years ago: "He felt like a middleweight"

A former rival of Khabib Nurmagomedov's has put forth his side of the story about the MMA legend famously asking him to "give up" mid-fight. The veteran combatant even asserted how strong and challenging an opponent 'The Eagle' was.

On ex-UFC welterweight and BKFC star Mike Perry's Overdogs Podcast, UFC staple Michael Johnson recently discussed various topics. Johnson suggested that he'd partaken in a UFC-affiliated tour for the U.S. troops when he got the call to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov on "two weeks' notice." 'The Menace' implied that people seldom mention that he'd taken the fight on such short notice.

Their lightweight showdown transpired at UFC 205 in November 2016, where Khabib Nurmagomedov thoroughly outworked and out-grappled Michael Johnson. Nurmagomedov ultimately submitted him with a kimura in round three.

Later on, videos emerged showing the Dagestani grappling wizard asking Johnson to give up mid fight. Perry referenced Nurmagomedov calling on 'The Menace' to give up. Johnson responded by laughingly stating:

"Yeah. I was like, 'F**k you.' Hit him with the backhand. Hit him with the backhand, like, I'm still in it. I can't move, but I'm in it. Like, I'm not gonna give up."

He added:

"But, bro, he's good, strong. He felt like a middleweight. And that's a problem, yeah. So I felt like I couldn't move. But he helped me get better because I went back to the gym and started working on that. So without that fight, I wouldn't be here."

Check out Johnson's comments below (55:56):

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Khabib Nurmagomedov's eerie warning to Michael Johnson

After defeating Michael Johnson, Khabib Nurmagomedov subsequently captured the UFC lightweight title and notched three defenses. After his father and longtime mentor Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed in July 2020, the undefeated fighter competed just once and retired from MMA in October 2020. He's since continued training, primarily helping his relatives and friends with their camps.

Meanwhile, Johnson is still an active UFC lightweight, fresh off a knockout win earlier this month.

Speaking of Khabib Nurmagomedov, his performance against Michael Johnson -- who was then viewed as one of the best lightweights in the world -- is often cited to remind fans how frighteningly dominant he was. Nurmagomedov notably secured the top position against the American. Amid fierce ground and pound and looming submission threats, he eerily warned Johnson.

Nurmagomedov said:

"You have to give up. I need to fight for the title. You know this I deserve."

Watch Nurmagomedov's onslaught and warning to Johnson below (1:09):