The Unthinkable: Did Anyone Truly Come Close to Subduing Khabib Nurmagomedov?
When the name Khabib Nurmagomedov is mentioned in the world of mixed martial arts, one word often immediately springs to mind: dominance. The Dagestani phenom retired from professional fighting with an undefeated record of 29-0, a testament to his unparalleled wrestling, suffocating ground control, and relentless pressure. But the question lingers for many fans: in his storied career, did anyone ever truly get close to choking him out? The short answer, for the vast majority of his fights, is a resounding no. However, there's one notable instance that occasionally surfaces in discussions, and it's worth examining in detail.
The Fight That Fuels the "Almost" Narrative
The fighter who most frequently gets associated with "almost" choking out Khabib is none other than Conor McGregor. Their highly anticipated UFC Lightweight Championship bout on October 6, 2018, was one of the biggest events in combat sports history. While Khabib ultimately dominated and submitted McGregor in the fourth round with a neck crank, a specific moment in the second round has been debated and replayed endlessly by fans and analysts.
The Second-Round Scare: McGregor's Guillotine
During the second round, after a successful takedown by Khabib, McGregor found himself in a precarious position. As Khabib attempted to advance his position, McGregor, from his back, managed to lock in a tight guillotine choke. This submission hold involves wrapping one arm around the opponent's neck and the other arm across their face, cinching the neck in a crushing grip.
For a few tense seconds, it looked as though McGregor had Khabib in serious trouble. The crowd erupted, and many observers believed this was Khabib's most dangerous moment in the fight, and perhaps his entire career. Khabib's face was contorted, and his breathing appeared labored. However, what often gets overlooked is Khabib's exceptional ability to defend submissions and his sheer physical strength.
- Khabib's Defense: Instead of panicking, Khabib utilized his immense wrestling pedigree. He expertly managed to relieve the pressure by bridging and shifting his weight, effectively "stacking" McGregor. This maneuver forces the opponent's hips down, making it harder for them to maintain the choke's tightness and giving the choked fighter space to breathe and escape.
- The Escape: Khabib successfully defended the choke, not by simply enduring it, but by actively working his way out of the dangerous position. He then proceeded to dominate the rest of the round and the subsequent rounds, ultimately leading to his victory.
Debunking Other "Almosts"
While the McGregor fight is the most prominent example, it's important to address any other fighters who might be mistakenly credited with nearly submitting Khabib. In reality, Khabib's defense against submissions was consistently world-class. Opponents might have locked in holds, but Khabib's ability to escape, scramble, and defend was consistently superior.
- Dustin Poirier: While Poirier had some success on the feet and even threatened with a guillotine in their fight, Khabib was never in significant danger of being choked out. Khabib was able to escape and eventually submit Poirier in the third round.
- Rafael dos Anjos: In an earlier fight, dos Anjos was able to inflict a broken foot on Khabib with a leg kick. However, this was not a submission threat, and Khabib continued to fight and win.
The narrative of Khabib being "almost choked out" largely stems from the intensity and perceived danger of McGregor's second-round guillotine. However, true submission experts and seasoned analysts understand that Khabib's defense was simply too strong to be overcome by that hold in that instance.
The Legacy of Invincibility
Khabib Nurmagomedov's career is a testament to meticulous preparation, extraordinary skill, and an unbreakable will. His ability to control opponents, wear them down, and ultimately finish them is legendary. While the McGregor fight offered a fleeting moment of tension, it ultimately highlighted Khabib's incredible defensive capabilities and his resilience under pressure. The idea of anyone "almost choking out" Khabib in a way that genuinely threatened his undefeated record is, for the most part, a myth that the Conor McGregor fight briefly fueled, but ultimately did not substantiate.
Khabib's career remains one of the most dominant in MMA history, and his record speaks for itself. The question of who almost choked him out, while interesting from a fan perspective, points to the reality that very few, if any, came truly close to achieving that feat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why was Conor McGregor's guillotine choke so talked about?
Conor McGregor's guillotine choke during their fight was intensely discussed because it occurred during a championship bout against an undefeated fighter. For a brief period, Khabib appeared to be in genuine difficulty, which was a rare sight for his fans. The visual of the dominant Khabib in such a compromising position generated significant attention and debate.
Q2: How did Khabib escape Conor McGregor's guillotine choke?
Khabib escaped Conor McGregor's guillotine choke through his superior wrestling and defensive grappling. He managed to relieve the pressure by "stacking" McGregor, essentially using his body weight to push McGregor's hips down. This created space for Khabib to adjust his position, breathe, and eventually break free from the submission attempt.
Q3: Did Khabib ever tap out in his career?
No, Khabib Nurmagomedov never tapped out in his professional MMA career. His undefeated record of 29-0 is a testament to his incredible resilience and ability to escape dangerous situations without submitting.
Q4: Was Khabib ever in danger of losing a fight due to a submission?
While Khabib faced many highly skilled submission artists, he was rarely in significant danger of losing a fight due to a submission. His defensive grappling and ability to neutralize submission threats were consistently among the best in the sport. The McGregor fight's guillotine is the most cited example, but even then, he escaped.
