Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov recently revealed that during his time in the UFC, he had the ability to inflict serious injuries on his opponents – but often chose not to.
One such instance was in his 2016 bout against Michael Johnson, where Nurmagomedov secured a Kimura – but opted not to break Johnson’s arm, despite having the opportunity.
Reflecting on the moment in an interview with Ushatayka, Khabib shared:
When I was fighting with him [Michael Johnson], I understand he is not my level and I give him advice.
You know how this fight finished? With a submission, kimura.
When I take his arm, I really can break his arm.But I don’t do this, and I tell him, ‘You have to tap.’
And he tapped, and he finished. Everybody safe.
Khabib, who retired as the undisputed lightweight champion in 2020 and has since been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, explained that causing unnecessary harm was never his goal in the sport:
My goal in this sport was not hurting people.
When I have chance, why I have to hurt?
I chose a different way.
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