"That’s a stretch" - Fans react as Bo Nickal's former opponent calls Khabib Nurmagomedov a "bigger question mark" than Zabit Magomedsharipov

A video clip is going viral on social media, capturing Demetrious Johnson’s shocked reaction upon learning that Khabib Nurmagomedov is two years younger than him and retired at just 32 years old. Van Woodburn, a former opponent of Bo Nickal, stirred debate with his reaction.

Nurmagomedov is currently focused on training his close friend Islam Makhachev and cousin Umar Nurmagomedov for their upcoming fights at UFC 311 next month. To experience what it's like to train under Khabib, former UFC flyweight champion Johnson recently visited the gym.

ESPN MMA shared a conversation clip from the session on their Instagram, where Khabib spoke about retiring at just 32 years old. In response, Woodburn, shared his thoughts on ‘The Eagle’, commenting:

“Khabib is a bigger question mark than Zabit in MMA history.”

Val Woodburn's comment screenshot

One fan trolled Woodburn, taking a jab at his loss to Bo Nickal, writing:

“You were a big question mark in the UFC. Don’t know how you’re still there—got your big ahh knocked out by Bo Nickal.”

Another user speculated that Zabit Magomedsharipov lacked cardio and claimed that the former lightweight champion would have lost to Charles Oliveira:

“Zhabit was a no-cardio bum, and Khabib would have lost to Charles [Oliveira]. No questions here.”

Another fan commented:

“Khabib definitely could have held two belts, zabit would never have the chance to get a belt with Max [Holloway] and [Alexander] Volk[anovski] in featherweight. He almost lost to Kattar.”

One fan wrote:

“That's a stretch.”

Fan reactions screenshots

Magomedsharipov announced his retirement in 2022. He last competed in 2019 against Calvin Kattar and hung up the gloves with an impressive professional record of 18-1.

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Islam Makhachev jokes about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s busy night cornering fighters at UFC 311

Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement at the age of 32 after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He had lost his father a few months before the fight and stated that he would never return to the octagon without his father by his side.

Following the end of his active career, Khabib stepped into his father’s shoes and began coaching.

UFC 311 is shaping up to be a busy night for UFC Hall of Famer, as three fighters from his camp are set to compete at the event.

During the UFC 311 press conference, Islam Makhachev shared his thoughts on Khabib’s packed night and humorously poked fun at his situation, saying:

"We try to make it easy but it’s gonna be long night from him [Khabib Nurmagomedov]. From the card opening Tagir Ulanbekov fighting the first fight, myself, Umar… I feel bad about Khabib. It’s gonna be long night for him."

Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below: