Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
UFC Legend Georges St-Pierre (GSP) praised Khabib Nurmagomedov. GSP considered Khabib to appear extraordinary when he beat Justin gaethje of UFC 254.
Khabib won the battle against Gaethje by submission in the second round. The UFC lightweight world champion finished off Gaethje using a technique triangle choke.
“It was an extraordinary performance. Many people, including me, think maybe Justin Gaethje is the answer for Khabib. Maybe Justin Gaethje is the perfect enemy because of his wrestling and punching skills,” GSP said as quoted from MMA Fighting.
“However, Khabib did – I wouldn’t say it was unthinkable because Khabib is invincible and he’s a very good fighter – but no one thought Khabib would put on a performance that looks so easy to him. It’s really amazing.”
When the fight started, Khabib appeared aggressive from the first round. The 32-year-old fighter dared to exchange punches and kicks against Gaethje who was known to be good at top fights.
Khabib does not only rely on wrestling techniques which are his mainstay. When Gaethje was pressed, Khabib performed a lock which made Gaethje surrender in the second round.
The GSP judged Khabib to win everything over Gaethje in the fight. Khabib continues to pose a threat during up and down fights.
“He threatened Justin while standing, he also threatened him during the bottom fight. Even at the end of the first round, Justin was in a really bad position,” said GSP.
“Justin looked overwhelmed, seemed to be in a panic, didn’t know what to do. Threats came from everywhere. From below, from above, from anywhere. An extraordinary performance,” he continued.
After defeating Gaethje, Khabib made a surprising statement, namely retiring from the UFC. Khabib decided to end his career because he felt unable to fight without his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov who died on July 3, 2020.
The GSP respects Khabib’s retirement decision. According to him, the grief experienced by Khabib was far above the values of sports and the rivalry of fighters.
With this background, GSP considers talking about the duel against Khabib at a time like this is not right.
“I respect Khabib. We are here to do sports and what Khabib has experienced is more than that, it’s about humanity. I can only wish him and Khabib the best. As a Khabib fan, I am happy that he can end his career like that.”
(jal)
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