Khabib Nurmagomedov’s reign in the UFC was nothing short of legendary. The undefeated Russian fighter dominated the lightweight division, retiring with an impeccable 29-0 record. While fans marveled at his technical mastery and unmatched ground game, UFC fighters who faced him or trained alongside him have shared some chilling insights into just how terrifying Khabib truly is inside the Octagon.

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From his relentless pressure to his suffocating grappling, Khabib was a force unlike anything many of his opponents had ever faced. Here, we take a closer look at how some of the UFC’s most respected fighters describe the true terror that is Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The Unstoppable Force: Relentless Pressure

One of the most common themes UFC fighters bring up when discussing Khabib is his relentless pressure. Fighters often spoke about how he never allowed them to breathe, pushing forward from the first bell to the final horn.

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Former UFC lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, who has since taken over the lightweight throne, faced Khabib’s dominant style head-on in training and analyzed his relentless pressure. Oliveira revealed, “Khabib doesn’t let you rest. You get out of one position, and he’s right back on you. His conditioning is insane, and he’s always coming forward. Even when you think you’ve escaped, he’s right there.”

This constant forward momentum is something that left many fighters feeling suffocated. Khabib’s pressure wasn’t just physical—it was psychological. He made opponents feel like they had nowhere to go and nowhere to hide.

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The Ground Game from Another Planet

Khabib’s ground game was his most frightening weapon, and UFC fighters have spoken about it in awe and fear. His ability to control opponents on the mat, wear them down, and impose his will was unmatched. Many fighters, including former opponents and training partners, have explained how Khabib’s grappling felt like nothing else.

Former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, who faced Khabib at UFC 229, famously found himself overwhelmed by Khabib’s wrestling in their fight. “Khabib’s control is next level. You can’t escape from it, no matter how hard you try,” McGregor said after the fight. “When he gets you on the ground, it’s like being in a vice grip. He smashes you with pressure, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

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Justin Gaethje, another elite lightweight who faced Khabib at UFC 254, recalled how it felt to be in Khabib’s grasp. “He’s the best wrestler I’ve ever fought, and it’s not even close,” Gaethje admitted. “When he takes you down, it’s not just about holding you there; it’s about breaking your will. He doesn’t give you a chance to recover or reset. It’s overwhelming.”

Khabib’s suffocating control was so complete that even the most skilled grapplers struggled to deal with him. His ability to impose his will on every opponent, no matter their wrestling pedigree, was one of the factors that made him so terrifying.

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Mental Toughness and Relentless Focus

Khabib wasn’t just dangerous physically; he was mentally unshakable. His ability to maintain an unrelenting focus and impose his game plan on his opponents is something that left a lasting impression on UFC fighters. Khabib’s confidence, determination, and discipline made him even more terrifying as a competitor.

Daniel Cormier, a former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, and a close friend of Khabib, had firsthand experience of Khabib’s mental fortitude. Cormier explained, “Khabib is mentally stronger than almost anyone I’ve ever known. His preparation is second to none, and he has this iron will. He doesn’t break, and he doesn’t back down.”\

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Fighters who faced Khabib knew that no matter what happened in the cage, he was going to stay the course. His focus was unbreakable, and that made him a true predator who never let his foot off the gas. This mental toughness gave him an edge over opponents who might have the physical tools to win but lacked the psychological strength to withstand Khabib’s onslaught.

The Unbeaten Record: A Terrifying Legacy

Perhaps the most terrifying aspect of Khabib’s career was his unbeaten record. Throughout his time in the UFC, the Russian fighter faced some of the toughest opponents the lightweight division had to offer—and not only did he win, he did so with an air of inevitability. Khabib made it look easy at times, and UFC fighters couldn’t help but recognize the aura of invincibility around him.