The One And Only Fight Many MMA Experts And Fans Believe Khabib Nurmagomedov Lost
Nurmagomedov eked out a controversial decision victory against Gleison Tibau at UFC 148.
Khabib Nurmagomedov could have ruined his perfect unbeaten MMA record back in July 2012.
Nurmagomedov is currently the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, but critics and fans alike believe he shouldn't have got the decision in Las Vegas against Gleison Tibau at UFC 148.
The Russian fighter, who was 17-0 at the time, was making just his second UFC appearance but riding great momentum from his Octagon debut when he stopped Kamal Shalorus in one round.
Tibau, on the other hand, entered the bout with 16 UFC fights in the book and the veteran lightweight used his experience to control Nurmagomedov who failed to land a single takedown and went 0-13 against Tibau, who was credited with one takedown which happened in round three.
The Brazilian not only stuffed all his opponent's takedowns but also outstruck him 28-25 in significant strikes. He also had the advantage in total strikes - 46-33.
Tibau won the head strike battle 15-13 and the body strike battle 13-7 while Nurmagomedov landed more leg strikes - 5-0, according to UFC.
Despite the superior statistics, TIbau surprisingly didn't win a single round from any of the three judges, who all scored the bout 30-27 to Nurmagomedov which shocked both Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan.
Tibau has previously mentioned that he feels he beat Nurmagomedov.
"A good moment for me is... Kurt Pellegrino, Jamie Varner, and Khabib," he explained.
"I take this time, it's a very, very good time for me. Everybody talks. Now Khabib knows my fight, me, Khabib? I win this fight.
"Now, I'm friends with Khabib, and I play and talk with Khabib, you lose this fight. 'Uh, yeah, maybe, maybe, maybe.'
"Because, tough fight, you know? I mean, broke for takedowns, takedowns on Khabib, more punches, everybody talk that I win this fight. I think this moment was very important for my time with the UFC. Very good fights with Jamie Varner, Kurt Pellegrino, good time, good, good performances."
Justin Gaethje, who beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 last month to set up a meeting against Nurmagomedov, also feels he lost the lightweight contest.
When speaking about the UFC lightweight king's record, he said: "I think he lost to [Gleison] Tibau though, that's just me."
Nurmagomedov hasn't fought since his successful title defence over Dustin Poirier last September.
He's expected to face interim UFC lightweight champion Gaethje in September.
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Nasir Jabbar