FSM Essential Recap: UFC 254- Khabib vs. Gaethje – 10/24/2020

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Another night of fights is in the books from Fight Island as we say good bye to one of the Greatest of All time.

 

 

In one of the most anticipated fights of the year, a unification bout for the lightweight supremacy, Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0 11 SUBS) defeated Justin Gaethje (22-3) via second-round triangle choke.

From start to finish, Khabib applied relentless pressure that kept Gaethje backpedaling the entire bout. Not wanting to allow his opponent to settle in and get comfortable, Khabib would come forward at a rate that had Gaethje more so reacting, keeping him from following through with his gameplay.

Sure, Gaethje was able to stand his ground, apply some damaging leg kicks, and even landed a few rights that made you think if Khabib isn’t careful, things could turn quickly. But the champion left no doubt that he can withstand a good strike as well as he gives them and that no matter who it is or what they plan to do, it’s his game they will play inside the octagon.

 

The interesting factor in this match would be if Khabib could take Gaethje down to the mat like he’s done in every single fight, or could “The Highlight” finally be able to solve the puzzle, keep the fight standing, and make this a slugfest?

 

Early on, Khabib tried two takedown attempts that were stuffed, and things looked interesting. Could this be a different bout than what Khabib is used to? After failing on those attempts, Khabib would look to come forward at an unrelenting pace as if to say, “ok, let’s see how you do when I get you thinking strike; then I’ll change levels and go for the takedown.”

During this time, both fighters would land some good rights and lefts, and Gaethje would find a home for his trademark leg kicks that looked like they might’ve given Khabib trouble if the fight had lasted longer. End of the first round, Khabib gets a takedown but wasn’t able to apply such damage. He got his first one, and just like a shooter in basketball who can’t find their stroke, all you need is to see that first basket, and things will start to flow.

 

The second round looked more like the traditional rounds we’ve seen in Khabib’s fights.

 

He faints and faints, and then boom, he gets a takedown. After some scrambling on the mat, Khabib got the full mount on Gaethje, looked to move up into going for an arm submission, but as Gaethje looked to roll to defend the attempt, Khabib switched to an arm-triangle choke, which saw Gaethje go to sleep after the ref didn’t notice him tap on two separate occasions.

After the bout, Khabib was filled with emotions as this was his first fight after his father passed earlier this year. In his post-fight interview, he announced that this was his last fight. Retirement talks had been circling around Khabib after the Conor McGregor fight, as Khabib felt he only had a few more fights left in him. Now, with the loss of his father, who was such a rock of support and guidance in his life/career, Khabib feels it is time for him to walk away from the sport at 29-0, 13-0 in the UFC, 3 title defenses, and surely the most dominant fighter we have ever seen step in the cage.

For all that he gave us in this sport, we thank you, Khabib, and wish you nothing but good spirits in life as you go forward.

 

 

A former champion made his case for another shot at the title.

 

In the Co-Main Event, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (22-5) defeated Jared Cannonier (13-4) via unanimous decision. Now going 2-0 since losing his 185 lbs belt last October to current champion Israel Adesanya, Whittaker feels like he is next in line for a shot at reclaiming his throne. It may not be the most blockbuster matchup, but it’s certainly the right fight to make given his wins and the losses of other top contenders at 185. Adesanya vs Whittaker 2 will surely be a fight to look out for in 2021.

 

 

Another good fight card is in the books as the UFC continues to entertain us week after week during this period we’ve been in. A former champion looked for redemption while an unmatched king rode off into the sunset.

 

Be sure to stay tuned on franchisesportsmedia.com for the latest in MMA and Las Vegas Sports.

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