The Takedown | UFC: Justin Gaethje has no chance against Khabib Nurmagomedov, so stop dreaming
- Dagestan-born and bred Khabib’s Sambo wrestling is far too strong despite Gaethje’s impressive collegiate credentials
- MMA mathematics, while not always reliable, suggest the lightweight title unification bout will end the same as all Khabib fights
First off, let me say this: Justin Gaethje's interim lightweight title victory against Tony Ferguson was nothing short of incredible and he deserves all the credit he has been getting – if not more. Gaethje beat the guy they said could beat the guy.
Perhaps the most frequent argument we hear is that Gaethje (22-2, 19 KO/TKOs) can take Khabib’s barbarous take-downs and ground-and-pound with his division one wrestling pedigree. It is the highest form of recognition at collegiate level and UFC analysts often use it as a fun little tidbit when promoting Gaethje's fights. This fearless knockout artist can take you down at will. His takedown defence is also second to none. He’s an All-American, like Jonny Hendricks, Daniel Cormier and Dan Henderson.
Add that to the esteemed Chuck Liddell theory: that because he was so able to stuff takedowns, his opponents resorted to throwing hands, thus giving “The Ice Man” the chance to do what he wants: get that knockout. Same as Gaethje? Sure, he possesses similarly potent knockout power. But it is not as if Liddell has not been taken down and beaten (see early Jeremy Horn triangle choke, Liddell vs Randy Couture I and Pride’s Liddell vs Quinton “Rampage” Jackson). Now think of a fight where Khabib has not landed a takedown. Take as much time as you want.
