When it was confirmed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that Khabib Nurmagomedov would return to the Octagon against Edson Barboza, fans waited with baited breath. They hoped “The Eagle” could manage to make it to fight night after a number of his scheduled bouts -- most notably those against Tony Ferguson -- fizzled because of various injuries. Nurmagomedov alleviated their fears in the UFC 219 co-main event on Saturday in Las Vegas, and it was a sight to see.
The fight between the two top-shelf lightweights played out over three rounds, as Nurmagomedov gave the Brazilian no space with which to employ his excellent muay Thai skills.