Khabib Nurmagomedov is the most terrifying lightweight contender in the world as per Joe Rogan.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan heaps praise Khabib Nurmagomedov following his impressive performance against Edson Barboza at UFC 219.
Undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov returned to Octagon after 14 months of layoff in a fully stacked UFC 219 event on December 30th, improved his record to 25-0 after dethroning Brazilian striker Edson Barboza to a lopsided unanimous decision victory.
After the stunning win, Nurmagomedov stands out as the undeniable number one contender at lightweight and the 155-pound title picture has become even more intriguing. Whether his chance comes against Tony Ferguson or undisputed champion Conor McGregor.
Rogan explained in a recent edition of the “JRE MMA Show” podcast discussed Khabib’s position in the lightweight division and said the 15-minute performance was just as scary as a quick knockout or submission.
“He’s just on such another level that the odds of beating him drop significantly after the first minute-and-a-half,” Rogan said (h/t MMAJunkie.com). “You saw the look on Barboza’s face: Two minutes in and he’s trying to get up. You saw the look on his face and it’s like, ‘(expletive), how am I gong to do deal with this?’ It’s just so next level.”
“Khabib, after this performance, has set it up to a place where he’s the most terrifying lightweight contender in the world,” Rogan said. “Then you have Tony Ferguson, whose a (expletive), and has the interim championship, then you have Conor – who knows what happens with him? I think the UFC’s going to give him some time, let the holidays pass, see what the (expletive) happens and then make some moves.”
Recently, Conor Mcgregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov traded barbs on social media, while Khabib’s manager has also asserted the current focus is on a possible fight with Ferguson.
Rogan made it clear he feels anyone who steps in the cage with Nurmagomedov is going to have a lot to worry about.
UFC brass Dana White recently said he was hoping to have McGregor ready to fight by March, who reportedly wants some sort of ownership or promoter’s stake in his next bout, but then said he would schedule Ferguson vs. Khabib for the interim belt sometime during that month with the winner ultimately facing McGregor.
Who do you want to see Khabib Nurmagomedov fight next?
