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The MMA world has long debated one burning question: Could anyone have dethroned Khabib Nurmagomedov, the Dagestani grappling maestro who retired undefeated at 29-0? While names like Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor often surface in these discussions, a UFC legend has now thrown a fresh—and unexpected—contender into the mix. According to this insider, there’s one fighter from the past whose skill set could’ve cracked Khabib’s ironclad dominance.
The catch? This hypothetical showdown never materialized, leaving fans to wonder: Who holds the key to solving the “Eagle” enigma?
Chael Sonnen’s Bombshell: Why GSP’s ‘Explosion’ Could’ve Grounded Khabib
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy is etched in stone: an unblemished record, suffocating grappling, and a reign that left the lightweight division trembling. But according to former UFC star Chael Sonnen, there’s a ghost from MMA’s past who could’ve rewritten history—Georges St-Pierre.
In a candid chat on Fight Back with Jake Shields, Sonnen didn’t mince words when asked about the mythical matchup.
“I’ve rolled with Georges. I think Georges would’ve beat him,” declared Sonnen, referencing his firsthand experience sparring with the Canadian icon. Shields, who’s trained with both fighters, cautiously echoed the sentiment: “He’s obviously really good, but Georges just has that explosion. I don’t know, tough fight.”
The fantasy clash pits two generational talents—St-Pierre’s surgical precision vs. Khabib’s relentless pressure. GSP, a two-division champ with wins over legends like Matt Hughes and Nick Diaz, was renowned for blending wrestling, striking, and fight IQ into an unstoppable force. Khabib, meanwhile, mauled opponents with his sambo-heavy style, dragging them into deep waters where few survived.
Sonnen’s argument hinges on Georges St-Pierre’s versatility. “If they would’ve wrestled, I wouldn’t have cared if they arm-wrestled, if they had some kind of conflict, and then conflict resolution, it would be very helpful,” he quipped, suggesting St-Pierre’s adaptability could’ve neutralized Khabib’s game plan. Shields added: “That’s a fantasy… it would be very helpful.”
While Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominance was built on dictating pace, GSP’s career was marked by evolution. From outboxing strikers to out-grappling wrestlers, “Rush” tailored his approach to exploit weaknesses—a trait Sonnen believes would’ve been pivotal. “Georges has that explosion,”
Shields noted, alluding to the burst of speed and power that defined GSP’s takedowns and transitions.
Would Khabib’s relentless chain wrestling have overwhelmed Georges St-Pierre’s methodical control? Or would St-Pierre’s tactical genius have unlocked the Dagestani’s armor? We’ll never know. But Sonnen’s take adds fuel to a fire that still burns in MMA circles: the greatest fight that never was.
For now, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s 29-0 record remains untouchable. But in the realm of “what ifs,” Georges St-Pierre’s ghost lingers—a reminder that even legends have their kryptonite.
