The UFC 254 main event is arguably the most anticipated fight of 2020. Undefeated lightweight king, Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0), will be defending his crown against the interim champion, Justin Gaethje (22-2).
This fight is trending to be one of the biggest UFC fights of all time. Nurmagomedov has become such a global superstar since becoming champion in the UFC. The dominant Russian is a rare fighter who’s level of domination is unheard of. Nurmagomedov is so special because he tells his opponents exactly what he’s going to do during the fight. Somehow his opponents still can’t stop it. Nurmagomedov has ragdolled superstars in the sport like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Edson Barboza, Rafael Dos Anjos, and many more on his run for dominance.
This year has been a tough year for Nurmagomedov. The champion lost his father this past summer, he was also his trainer. This fight sees Nurmagomedov with a different kind of motivation to finish the journey that he started with his father years ago.
2020 has been a great year for Justin Gaethje in terms of his career in the UFC organization. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Nurmagomedov – Tony Ferguson matchup to be cancelled, the UFC called on Justin Gaethje to step up against Ferguson. He went on to defeat Ferguson at UFC 249 to capture the interim title. Justin Gaethje fought that night looking like the best lightweight on the planet. His precision power striking along with his ability to stay composed for all five rounds was remarkable.
They say that styles makes fights. Stylistically, Justin Gaethje is the toughest opponent for Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC. Gaethje has incredibly good and powerful leg kicks which can zap anyone’s base very quickly. In addition to that, he hands are extremely fast and carries a lot of power with his swings. It only takes one clean shot to hurt you with Gaethje. On top of that, he’s an All-American wrestler who might be able to hold his own against Nurmagomedov.
If Justin Gaethje can keep the fight standing the majority of the time, he’s going to win tomorrow afternoon. However, that would mean Gaethje would pull off something that nobody has been able to do in 28 fights. Gaethje definitely has the skills to get it done tomorrow. However, most people find it hard to bet against Nurmagomedov. Gaethje is looking to find some success early, but eventually, Nurmagomedov will be able to do what he does best as well, and that’s dominate.