Beneil Dariush explains why Khabib Nurmagomedov might not be held in high regard in the future

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4 years ago

Khabib Nurmagomedov is the reigning UFC lightweight champion. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

Khabib Nurmagomedov might lose his shine in the coming years

UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov officially announced his retirement from MMA just last month.

He hung up his gloves after his UFC 254 win against Justin Gaethje, but only made his decision binding and official in March.

‘The Eagle’ retired with a spotless 29-0-0 record. This included 3 straight title defences and he has come to be regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a legend of the sport. (imago Images)

But that shine on his name may not stay forever. That is what UFC lightweight fighter Beneil Dariush thinks.

The Iranian fighter was talking to SCMP MMA earlier this week and revealed his thoughts on the lightweight division of the promotion after Khabib’s retirement.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has an immense UFC legacy but it is still under threat

And he mentioned how the sport and its fans are forgetful; the aura around Khabib’s name may not last forever.

“This sport is forgetful. The fans are very forgetful. So, who knows, in a year or two, they’ll be like ‘yeah…hmmm…’ [mimicking fans reaction when Khabib is probably referred to as the GOAT].”

He cited the example of GSP, a name that was mentioned in the same sentence as Khabib’s UFC return, Demetrius Johnson, and Fedor Emelianenko to mention how the same can happen to Khabib in the future.

“Like we were talking about GSP being the greatest of all time. Now all of a sudden ‘you got this guy, and this guy, and this guy’. Back in the day, we used to say Fedor was the GOAT… we don’t even mention them anymore. Even Demetrius Johnson, who in my opinion, should be considered as one of the best of all time, his name isn’t even mentioned anymore.”

Dariush makes sense with his comments but he would know the role social media plays in building a fighter’s hype as well.

Back in the day, social media wasn’t there, and all of those guys mentioned probably also did not have a dedicated, hardcore fanbase like Khabib has that would keep his name in the limelight for years to come.