Khabib Nurmagomedov may really feel like a light heavyweight after all.
Nurmagomedov is known for his world-class grappling and wrestling, with many opponents stating how he feels like a light-heavyweight when he’s competing in the lightweight division.
That was even more evident when we got to see recent footage of Luke Rockhold grappling with Nurmagomedov.
The two former champions reunited at American Kickboxing Academy and exchanged banter as a post-retirement Nurmagomedov was controlling Rockhold — a middleweight — on the ground.
“I just miss you, I hug you brother,” Khabib said while on top.
You can watch it below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ql42PL-_JY
Khabib Nurmagomedov, Luke Rockhold Have Grappled Before
Of course, this is not the first time the pair have grappled together.
And while this doesn’t tell the full story either, it’s not a surprise to see Nurmagomedov have his way in certain exchanges, even against someone like Rockhold.
You can watch footage of them sparring back in 2014 below:
Both fighters are in very different positions now, though.
Nurmagomedov has been retired since 2020 and is continuing to coach his teammates as well as promote fights at Eagle FC.
Rockhold, meanwhile, is returning to action to face Paulo Costa at UFC 277 in July. It will be his first fight since 2019 as he looks to snap a two-fight losing streak and reclaim his spot at the top of the middleweight division.
