Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the best, according to Ben Askren. In an interview with Helen Yee Sports, Askren explains why he rates Khabib so highly.
Askren also triggered a debate last year, when he claimed Khabib should be the #1 pound-for-pound fighter over Jon Jones. Whilst many agreed with Askren, there were those who had their doubts.
Askren states the failed drug tests and a controversial win against Dominick Reyes as his reasons for not picking Jones. On the other hand, he explains how Khabib was pretty much flawless throughout his career. Furthermore, he gives the example of Anderson Silva, who was amazing in his prime but deteriorated quickly thereafter.
“When you look at Khabib’s body of work, it’s so clean, so flawless,” says Askren. That for him is one of the reasons he thinks that ‘The Eagle’ is the greatest of all time. He also recognizes why a lot of people may disagree with his sentiments.
“Depending on what you hold most valuable, you might come up with a different conclusion.” Askren realizes the different things that come into play when talking about the greatest. He feels that there are things that people can hold against the likes of Jon Jones and Anderson Silva in this debate.
Read More: Michael Chandler states Khabib Nurmagomedov deserves to get out of the headlines
Is Khabib Nurmagomedov the G.O.A.T?
Whilst Khabib was an animal in the Octagon, a lot of people felt that he wasn’t in it for long enough. Even though he defended his title against the likes of Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, people feel he did not defend the title long enough.
Even Askren talks about this, saying “It wasn’t his fault that some of those fights didn’t happen.” He explains how injuries and bad circumstances played their part in keeping Khabib away from the Octagon.
Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia (top) attempts to submit Dustin Poirier in their lightweight championship bout during UFC 242. (Credits: Getty Images)
Khabib retired after successfully defending his title for the third time against Justin Gaethje. He had lost his father Abdulmanap to COVID 19 in mid-2020. After his father’s passing, he vowed to his mother that he would not fight again.
Even after Dana White’s consistent efforts, Khabib chose to stay in retirement. As a result, his 29-0 ‘flawless’ record stays intact for now. Whilst nobody knows what the future holds, the fact still remains, Khabib will always be ‘one of the best of all time.’
Read More: Khabib Nurmagomedov predicts 50-50 chance on the long-awaited Ngannou Vs Miocic rematch
