“The Eagle” Khabib Nurmagomedov has one of the longest win streaks in MMA history, and tonight, he kept it alive.
Khabib took on Edson Barboza in the co-main event — and he absolutely demolished him!
Barboza started off with a big inside leg kick. Khabib, however, put the pressure on early, but Edson got out of the way quickly.
The Eagle went in for a takedown, but again Barboza got out of the way quickly.
After a little chasing, Khabib caught up to Barboza and pressed him up against the fence. Another takedown attempt by The Eagle and another escape by Barboza.
Edson ran away again and Khabib chased him, flying in with a missed jumping knee but following up with a successful takedown.
Khabib put the pressure down, raining down big shots and smothering the downed Barboza. The Eagle struggled for side control and landed a huge punch. Edson already swelled up under one of his eyes. He was clearly already overwhelmed.
The Eagle held Edson’s knees, pounding away at Barboza in his half guard. Edson was hanging on for survival at the 30-second mark. Ten seconds left and Khabib went for a rear naked choke but his arm slipped off. However, before the round ended, he landed some huge shots.
Barboza is lucky to have survived that round.
Round 2 and Edson looked like he was done. Khabib started up immediately with some body kicks, and Barboza did everything in his power to keep his distance from The Eagle.
Barboza lands a spinning heel kick, but @TeamKhabib walks through it.
Barboza throws it again, and Khabib ducks under. 😳 #UFC219 pic.twitter.com/X93wI9235q
— UFC (@ufc) December 31, 2017
Khabib caught up to his opponent, again, though, and pressed Barboza up against the fence.
Barboza broke away but Khabib clocked him, knocking him down. Barboza, however, mustered the strength to get up and even landed some shots.
Khabib, however, continued the punishment. He chased him and wrestled Barboza down with a single.
The Eagle was in Barboza’s half guard, smothering him. Edson held on for dear life. As Joe Rogan put it, “he was in desperation mode.”
Barboza’s face was bloodied as Khabib landed shot after shot on it. His mouth hung open and he looked like he was in a daze.
More big shots by The Eagle.
Third and final round. Khabib started immediately with the pressure, but Barboza was still in it to win it, even though he was back pedaling.
The Eagle landed some shots and pressed Barboza against the fence, taking him down after a struggle.
Edson got back up, though, but couldn’t put any distance between him and his opponent. Khabib still struggled for a takedown, landing some short shots on Barboza before Edson broke away.
Huge spinning back kick by Barboza, but Khabib stayed up. Edson went for another, but missed completely before being taken to the ground. He needed a miracle here, and he wasn’t going to get it.
With 23 seconds left he finally broke away and landed a huge knee, but it was too little and way too late. By the time the final bell rang, there was no doubt who would be leaving that cage with the unanimous decision win.
“The Eagle” Khabib Nurmagomedov!
During his post-fight interview, Rogan asked him for his thoughts on the two men dominating his division: Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson and Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor.
“I don’t care about these bulls**t guys,” he told Joe, but said he wanted Ferguson first.
"If UFC gives me one hour rest, I can fight one more time with Conor or Tony. No problem." @TeamKhabib wants to fight for the belt in one hour. WUT. #UFC219 pic.twitter.com/rZU4FfWzgq
— UFC (@ufc) December 31, 2017
