Daniel Cormier, a former UFC champion who held two weight classes, notes that matching the ceiling reached by Khabib Nurmagomedov will be a formidable challenge for Islam Makhachev. The sentiment comes as part of ongoing discussions about who might carry the mantle after Nurmagomedov’s historic run, and it underscores the unique standard set by the legendary lightweight great. Cormier emphasizes that every fighter has to carve their own path, and while Makhachev shows exceptional skill, the comparison to Khabib’s dominance remains a high bar for him to clear in the eyes of fans and analysts alike.
According to Cormier, there is a distinct privilege in maintaining an unbeaten record and in sustaining a career marked by consistency at the highest level. He points out that the “zero” on a fighter’s record can become a symbol of both opportunity and expectation, a rare achievement that elevates a competitor to a legendary status in the sport. The discussion reflects a broader conversation within the MMA community about how future champions will measure up to Khabib’s unmatched string of victories and his impact both inside the cage and beyond it.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s last professional bout occurred in late 2020, when he defeated Justin Gaethje to close out an undefeated career in MMA. Following that victory, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement, explaining that his promise to his mother would be honored by stepping away from competition while still preserving a deep connection to his heritage and his team. In the years since, he has kept a relatively low profile in the fighting world while exploring new ventures, including efforts to promote the sport and mentor a new generation of fighters through his initiatives. His decision to retire at the pinnacle of the sport has left a lasting impression on fans and peers who witnessed his ascent from a prodigious youngster to a universally respected figure in mixed martial arts.
During his time in competition, Nurmagomedov compiled a flawless record of 29 fights, with every bout ending in a victory. This perfect run contributed to his status as one of MMA’s all-time greats and helped him become a defining symbol of consistency and discipline in the sport. In 2021, a nationwide poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation recognized Nurmagomedov’s influence and chose him as the sports figure of the year, reflecting the broad admiration his achievements inspired across the Russian sports landscape and among international fans as well. His legacy continues to resonate with fighters and fans who study the art of pressure, strategy, and control that defined his approach in the cage.
Observers reflect on the sense of transition in the lightweight division, noting that Nurmagomedov’s era created a template for how champions are built in the modern era. The discipline, readiness to adapt, and relentless pace that characterized his career serve as a benchmark for both emerging contenders and established veterans alike. While discussions around potential successors—such as Makhachev—highlight the evolving nature of the sport, it remains clear that Nurmagomedov’s influence endures in training philosophies, coaching methods, and the aspirational goals of athletes in North America and beyond.