Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC Lightweight Champion and one of the most dominant fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA) history, continues to make headlines despite retiring from professional fighting in 2020. Recently, Nurmagomedov has been trending due to revelations from Brian Ortega, a UFC Featherweight star, about a near matchup between the two fighters in 2018. This unexpected storyline has reignited interest in Nurmagomedov's career, his impact on the sport, and what could have been one of the most intriguing UFC matchups in recent history.
Why Is Khabib Nurmagomedov Trending?
Khabib Nurmagomedov is trending due to recent interviews with Brian Ortega, in which the featherweight fighter detailed how he almost fought the undefeated Dagestani icon on short notice back in 2018. Ortega's revelations have sparked conversations in the MMA community, as fans reflect on the potential clash between two of the sport's most respected athletes. The buzz surrounding this story has led to a surge in traffic and renewed interest in Nurmagomedov's legacy, even after his retirement.
Brian Ortega's Near Fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov
In a recent interview ahead of his return at UFC 306, Brian Ortega shared the surprising story of how he came close to fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018. According to Ortega, the UFC approached him to fight Nurmagomedov on very short notice when the Dagestani fighter was in need of an opponent. Ortega humorously recalled that he had just eaten a Junior’s cheesecake when the offer came in, adding a light-hearted touch to what could have been a career-defining moment.
"I’d just ate a Junior’s cheesecake," Ortega said, referencing the timing of the offer to fight Nurmagomedov. While the fight ultimately didn’t happen, Ortega’s willingness to step up showcased his fighting spirit and left fans wondering what the result of such a matchup would have been. You can read more about Ortega’s story here.
Dana White's Reaction: A Step Away from Reality
Interestingly, Dana White, the UFC President, confirmed that the Ortega vs. Nurmagomedov fight was indeed a possibility. In a separate interview, Ortega mentioned that White was shocked by his willingness to step in and face Nurmagomedov on short notice. According to Ortega, White's reaction was one of disbelief, as the UFC head honcho reportedly asked him, "For real?" when Ortega accepted the challenge.
White’s confirmation that the fight was just "a step away" from happening adds further intrigue to the story. Ortega’s confidence and readiness to face one of the most feared men in the UFC, despite the short notice and the weight class difference, has earned him admiration from many fans. This revelation can be explored in more detail here.
What Could Have Been: Ortega vs. Nurmagomedov
The near clash between Ortega and Nurmagomedov has reignited speculation about how such a fight would have played out. Khabib, who retired with a perfect 29-0 record, was known for his relentless grappling, ground control, and ability to neutralize even the most dangerous strikers. Ortega, on the other hand, is a submission specialist with a strong ground game of his own. While Ortega typically fights in the featherweight division (145 lbs), Khabib dominated the lightweight division (155 lbs), meaning Ortega would have had to move up in weight to face him.
The fight never materialized, but it remains a fascinating "what if?" scenario for MMA enthusiasts. Dana White's confirmation of the near-fight adds legitimacy to Ortega’s claims, making fans wonder just how close they were to witnessing such an extraordinary matchup. You can read Dana White’s comments on the matter here.
Nurmagomedov’s Legacy and Post-Retirement Influence
Although Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA after his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, his influence on the sport remains monumental. Known for his unmatched grappling skills and impeccable fight IQ, Khabib left the sport as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Since his retirement, Nurmagomedov has shifted his focus to coaching and managing fighters, further contributing to the MMA world.
His team, including rising stars like Islam Makhachev, has continued to dominate, with Makhachev even capturing the UFC Lightweight Championship. Nurmagomedov’s legacy as both a fighter and a coach ensures that his name will continue to trend in the MMA community for years to come.
Conclusion
Khabib Nurmagomedov may have retired, but his name continues to dominate headlines and conversations in the MMA world. The recent revelations from Brian Ortega about their near-fight in 2018 have reignited interest in what could have been one of the most intriguing matchups in UFC history. While the fight never materialized, the story highlights the respect and admiration that fighters like Ortega have for Nurmagomedov’s skills and legacy.
As fans continue to reflect on Nurmagomedov’s career and what he might have accomplished had he stayed active, one thing is clear: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s influence on MMA is far from over.
Sources
- Noche UFC star Brian Ortega details how he almost fought Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018… ‘I’d just ate a Junior’s cheesecake’
- Brian Ortega sheds light on shocking Dana White once after accepting to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov on short notice: "He was like, 'For real?'"
- Dana White Confirmed Brian Ortega vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov Was a Step Away as Claimed by UFC FW Star Years Ago