UFC Flashback: Khabib Nurmagomedov's Big Debut

UFC Nashville: Guillard vs. Miller

On January 20, 2014, Jim Miller won via submission in the first round against Melvin Guillard in the main event of UFC Nashville. That evening, during prelims, a relatively unknown Khabib Nurmagomedov made his debut in the most prestigious MMA organization out there.

It was a first for the young fighter from Dagestan, whose boasted an impressive record prior to his UFC debut: 16-0. Facing off against Kamal Shalorus, Khabib quickly showed the world what would eventually propel him to the top of the not only the lightweight ranking but pound-for-pound ranking as well.

Impressively at ease when the fight takes place on the ground, Khabib effortlessly took care of his opponent with his ground and pound abilities. In the third and final round, he locked in a rear-naked choke that spelt the end for Shalorus.

The Eagle

Second in the pound-for-pound rankings behind Jon Jones, Khabib is at the top of his game now more than ever. Since his victory over Al Iaquinta to become the UFC lightweight champion, Khabib has also won via submission against Conor McGregor, and more recently against Dustin Poirier.

His next matchup was meant to be against Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 249, however, the Russian has been forced to cancel this fight following the closure of the borders between Russia and the United States. This clash of the titans between the two lightweights has now been cancelled for the fifth time. We can safely assume this fight is cursed.

After initially announcing that Justin Gaethje would replace Khabib in the main event of UFC 249, Disney and ESPN stepped and put a stop to the event. The powers that be really don't want us to see some UFC action...