Khabib Nurmagomedov will go down as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.
On his way to the UFC’s lightweight title, he also was supremely confident.
In a fight against Michael. Johnson at UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden in 2016, Nurmagomedov urged Johnson to tap to his strikes while he was mounted and raining down punches. He told him he was going to become champion – and told Johnson he knew it was true.
Ultimately, after the in-fight talk – which was decidedly confident and not overtly arrogant – Nurmagomedov tapped Johnson with a kimura. Two fights later, he was the lightweight champion.
The UFC released a fourth compilation video featuring just the sounds of the fighters, the arena and the corners – no commentary – of some of the most famous moments in company history, including Nurmagomedov’s talk during his win over Johnson; a classic shootout between Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson; and many more.
Check out Nurmagomedov on his way to the title, as well as some other incredible UFC moments, in the video above. And below, don’t miss more coverage of those legendary fights.
Alex Pereira def. Israel Adesanya, UFC 281
Leon Edwards def. Kamaru Usman, UFC UFC 286
Dan Hooker def. Jalin Turner, UFC 290
Sean O'Malley def. Marlon Vera, UFC UFC 299
Marlon Vera def. Dominick Cruz, UFC on ESPN 41
Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Michael Johnson, UFC 205
Justin Gaethje def. Tony Ferguson, UFC 249
Also see:
- Raw video: Max Holloway’s BMF-ness, Conor’s first belt and more UFC legendary moments – without commentary
- Raw video: Usman sleeps Masvidal, a Shevchenko head kick and more UFC legendary moments without commentary
- Raw video: Conor wins his first belt, ‘BMF’ madness and more UFC legendary moments without commentary