GSP breaks down how he would approach fantasy Khabib Nurmagomedov clash

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GSP vs Khabib Nurmagomedov – a match made in heaven that fight fans can only dream of

Khabib hung up his gloves after beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. It came as a huge shock to the MMA community. However, many believed that the ‘Eagle’ would return to its nest soon.

Many believed that a fantasy fight against one of the greatest of all time, Georges St-Pierre would entice the Dagestani to return. But, little did they realize the seriousness of the Russian being a man of his word.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a legend of the sport.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a legend of the sport. (imago Images)

Staying true to his mother, honouring his late father’s absence, Khabib officially retired on the 18th of March, 2021, putting an end to all the possibilities of a super matchup with GSP.

However, a debate as to how the fight between Khabib and GSP would have panned out, still rages on.

And, GSP himself addressed this in a recent interview with Lex Fridman. GSP first spoke about the style of wrestling Khabib has, and considered it similar to the welterweight king Kamaru Usman.

St-Pierre said:

“Khabib has more a style of chain wrestling like Kamaru Usman. It’s a different style. You cannot compare both styles. And that’s the kind of takedown I’m good (at).” [via GiveMeSport]

‘Rush’ then said that he would have never feared the Dagestani’s wrestling, and would have taken the fight forward, to the center of the octagon:

“I would not have been afraid of his wrestling. I would have instigated. I would have forced the fight forward. And that’s how I would have approached that fight, which I believe most of his opponents were afraid of his wrestling because they didn’t have the tools that I have to put him down.” [via GiveMeSport]

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre boast some insane fight resumes

Both Khabib and GSP are unique in their own aspects. It is hard to compare the two. But both the fighters have a stupendous MMA record.

Georges St-Pierre is a legend in the UFC
Georges St-Pierre addresses members of the media during the UFC Media Day at Tristar Gym on October 25, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

While Khabib has fought 29 times in his MMA career, GSP has fought one less; 28.

And, of the 29, Khabib has won all 29. Whereas GSP, on the other hand, has managed to win 26, losing just two fights before going on an unbelievable 13 fight win streak, which is coincidentally equal to the number of wins Khabib has in his UFC career.

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