Last time he stepped into the Octagon, Khabib Nurmagomedov set a UFC record with 21 takedowns in a fight.
The undefeated Russian wasn’t able to get that many takedowns against former collegiate wrestler Pat Healy on Saturday night at UFC 165, but then he didn’t need to.
In an impressive performance at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, Nurmagomedov grinded his way to a victory over one of MMA’s toughest fighters. KB won by scores of 30-27 across the board.
In round one, Numagomedov got the best of Healy in the striking department, landing crisp punches and several running knees, including one which cut Healy open underneath his left eye. In round two, Nurmagomedov slowed, but Healy simply wasn’t able to capitalize.
In the final round, Nurmagomedov turned up the heat again, punctuating things with a huge across-the-cage slam which recalled Matt Hughes‘ number on Frank Trigg at UFC 52.
Nurmagomedov (21-0) improved to 5-0 in the Octagon. Healy, who was forced to shave his beard beard before the fight by Ontario’s athletic commission, dropped to 29-17 with 1 no-contest.
The fighter known as “The Eagle” left no doubt we he feels he belongs in the lightweight rankings. “Ladies and gentleman, 21-0, 5-0 in the UFC. Give me a title shot, please. I am ready.”