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‘He hit like a truck’… Khabib Nurmagomedov opens up about the one UFC legend that punched him the hardest

Admin 3 days ago

6 1 minute read

Khabib Nurmagomedov has been beaten by some of the greatest fighters the lightweight division has ever seen, but one stood out from the rest.

The Russian felt the power of this formidable fighter before finally securing victory.

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Khabib Nurmagomedov says Justin Gaethje is the hardest puncher he will face

On October 24, 2020, at UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov graced the octagon for the final time against Justin Gaethje.

During the fight, 'The Eagle' had to overcome a series of heavy shots, with legend confessing that his opponent hurt him with his dynamite hands.

While taking punishment is never fun, Nurmagomedov admitted that it was actually part of his game plan.

Furthermore, the icon decided to end the match in the least brutal way he could think of, out of respect for the American's parents.

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On an episode of Hotboxin with Mike Tyson, the Dagestani said: “He hit like a truck. Nobody hit me harder than Justin Gaethje, his kick, his punch, his left hook, right hook, right uppercut. But I let him hit me.

“I knew this guy didn't like me wrestling. I go through his punches and kicks so I can tire him out on the stand-up and get him to the ground and finish him there.

“I got to the arm bar, I understood that this guy might not tap, and I'm going to break his arm in front of his parents. I had met his parents three days before the fight and I knew they would be there.

“I switched to the triangle choke. If you strangle people, even if they don't tap, they go to sleep. This is much better than breaking your opponent's arm.”