Khabib Nurmagomedov was all over Edson Barboza at UFC 219 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. So much so that their co-main event lightweight war saw ‘The Eagle’ awarded two 30-25 scores, and a 30-24. It was a one-sided mauling that only went the distance due to the sheer heart of Edson Barboza. A lesser fighter might have looked for a way out, but Barboza stuck it out to the bitter end.
He even managed to get a little offense in late in the third, launching and connecting a spinning back kick. The wrestling and ground n’ pound of Khabib Nurmagomedov was simply too much, however.
It’s clear that either Tony Ferguson or Conor McGregor should be next for the lightweight, who is undefeated at 25-0. Those two may have a date with each other first, however. What is also clear is that Khabib’s fellow fighters took notice of his actions at UFC 219.
Khabib is just a bad mama-jama with non-stop pressure and Barboza showed big time heart for surviving. Edson looked to KO Khabib the best he could any time he was on the feet but Khabib was just too much. #UFC219
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 31, 2017
Yo… I think Khabib mauls Conor, don't @ me. pic.twitter.com/hpWgPrAouB
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) December 31, 2017
That was impressive @TeamKhabib and imma let you finish but… I’m still on ya head.
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) December 31, 2017
Is that the biggest scoring gap in ufc history?
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) December 31, 2017
Way to fight @EdsonBarbozaJR unbelievable heart ❤️
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) December 31, 2017
Khabib is the man!!! My gawd! #ufc219
— Tatiana Suarez (@TSPMMA115) December 31, 2017
My man Khabib 25-0 the real champ no bullshit. 30-24 on the score card ha
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) December 31, 2017
Well you knew that was gonna be a good fight. #ufc219
— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) December 31, 2017
The Eagle now turns his attention to Tony Ferguson. #UFC219 pic.twitter.com/FS1Ni1WK0w
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) December 31, 2017
Congratulations to Khabib on a beautiful baby and a huge win! 30-25 scorecard? #UFC219
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) December 31, 2017
I think Khabib is the best lightweight on the planet. #UFC219
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) December 31, 2017
In addition to the win over Edson Barboza, Nurmagomedov was also celebrating the birth of his son, making the night extra special for the fighter.
UFC 219 took place December 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Edson Barboza, the card featured Cris Cyborg vs. Holly Holm in the main event, with women’s featherweight gold on the line.
