BJ Penn looks at his opponent Nick Diaz during the start of the welterweight bout at UFC 137 at the Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Diaz would win by unanimous decision. (Credit Imago)
Retired Russian mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov is undoubtedly the greatest UFC lightweight of all time
Khabib Nurmagomedov hung up his gloves in October 2020, after beating the dangerous Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
‘The Eagle’ retired with a record of 29 wins and no losses – something fighters in the UFC only dream of.
Although there might be arguments about Khabib being the GOAT, there is no doubt about him being the greatest UFC lightweight ever.
His last three wins in the UFC, were against some of the toughest modern-day mixed martial artists – Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
In a recent media interaction, Khabib was asked about the lightweight he thought was the second-best in the UFC.
The Russian picked UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn to be the second-best lightweight of all time.
Clarifying the losses Penn suffered towards the end of his career, Khabib clearly presented his case about why he thought the legendary Hawaiian was so great.
Khabib was quoted as saying:
“I think the impersonation of the lightweight division was BJ Penn for a long time. I can explain… Despite many defeats (towards the end of his career), he won the lightweight title, defended it and also moved up to welterweight and won the belt there. Then he had lost to one of the best fighters ever, George St-Pierre. So for me, BJ Penn, I think we can put him there.” [via BJPenn.com]
BJ Penn made his UFC debut on the 4th of May, 2001 at UFC 31. He rose through the ranks quickly and won the welterweight championship at UFC 46 after beating Matt Hughes.
The holistic Penn tested several weight divisions. He fought in middleweight and light-heavyweight as well.
At UFC 80, Penn won the UFC lightweight championship after beating Joe Stevenson, and defended it four times.
Penn finished his career with a record of 16 wins, 14 losses and 2 draws – something that never reflects the greatness of this man.
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