B. Penn in UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/ Facebook UFC
In a recent statement, Khabib Nurmagomedov proclaimed himself the greatest lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) in MMA history, placing the legendary B.J. Penn in second place on his personal list. It didn't take long for the Hawaiian himself to give his opinion on the matter.
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Through your social networks, B.J. Penn praised Khabib Nurmagomedov, but stated that the Russian retired too soon to be considered the greatest of all time. The “Prodigy” also compares his performance in title fights in the lightweight division to that of Khabib.
“I like watching Khabib fight, but I can't see Khabib saying he's the best lightweight of all time because it doesn't seem like his style. I'm going to give my opinion on what I think of Khabib's career. Me, Khabib and Benson (Henderson) have three title defenses. Me and Khabib have three interruptions in three defenses. I submitted Joe Stevenson to win my belt, while Khabib defeated To the fifth by decision to win his. There are four interruptions for me and three for him in title fights. These numbers are not important in the fight. I feel it is the champion's duty to the sport to ensure that the next world champion is the greatest champion to ever step into the ring. I believe Khabib retired too soon for that. All I ever wanted to do was fight everyone”, analyzed the Hawaiian.
In the publication, B.J. Penn He also recalled that, at his peak, he ventured into other organizations and sports and also won the UFC welterweight belt (up to 77 kg), but avoided stating that he considers himself the greatest lightweight of all time.
“I was 25 years old and at my peak when I moved up to 77 kg and won the weight belt. Matt hugs. I can't blame Khabib for not stepping up, facing Usman for the belt and opening up a wider discussion about who was the best fighter to win both titles. Fighters nowadays gain fame and don't want to lose. I will fight anytime until the day I die. I went to Japan and Hawaii and fought in K-1 and Rumble on the Rock in 77, 84 and even in the heavyweight division. After years of facing great fighters and champions, I returned to the UFC and won the lightweight title. The rest is history. I don't know who the greatest lightweight of all time is. I was just here to fight,” concluded Penn.
Khabib Nurmagomedov He retired from MMA at the age of 32 with a perfect record of 29 victories, 13 of which were in the UFC Octagon. Much longer-lived than the Russian, B.J. Penn He has a much more modest record, with 16 wins and 14 losses, as he has only had one win in the last 11 fights of his career, drawing one and losing the other nine. Despite the end of his career full of negative results, the Hawaiian is still considered by many to be one of the greatest fighters of all time.
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