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

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

Khabib Nurmagomedov says Justin Gaethje is the hardest puncher he has ever faced

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

During the fight, ‘The Eagle’ had to overcome a series of heavy blows, with the legend confessing that his opponent was hurting him with his dynamite hands.

However, while taking punishment is never pleasant, Nurmagomedov confessed that it was actually part of his game plan.

Furthermore, the icon also decided to end the contest 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, his right hook, his right uppercut. But I make him hit me.”

“I knew this guy didn’t like me fighting. I went through his punches and kicks, so I could tire him out in the standing position and get him on the ground and finish him there.”

“I got to the armbar, I understood that this guy might not give up, and I would break his arm in front of his parents. I had met his parents three days before the fight, and I knew they were going to be there.”

“I moved on to the triangle choke. When you choke people, even if they don’t give up, they fall asleep. This is way better than breaking your opponent’s arm.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov offers fascinating explanation for why he refuses to return to the UFC

While his submission win over Gaethje marked the end of his career, fans would still love to see the icon return to the Octagon.

However, it doesn’t seem likely to happen anytime soon.

While the 36-year-old is convinced he can still beat anyone in the world, he explained the reason why he has no plans to fight again.