Khabib Nurmagomedov became the UFC lightweight champion on this day in 2018: Watch video

Khabib Nurmagomedov, undefeated and undisputed lightweight champion of UFC mand to grab title on this day exactly two years ago when he went on to defeat Al Iaquinta at main event of UFC 223. After stripping Cor McGregor of lightweight title, 155 lbs strap remained without a titleholder for quite a long period of time. However, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was alrey on a 9-fight-win streak, decided to fight for title but was left without any potential opponent.

Initially, Tony Ferguson was offered fight but could t make weight and former fearweight champion Max Holloway saw a similar fate, a few days later. However, things were back on track when Al Iaquinta accepted fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov for vacant UFC title and saved day for UFC fans.

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Khabib UFC champion: How did Khabib Nurmagomdov become UFC lightweight champion?

Khabib Nurmagomedov was running out of opponents when . 11-ranked lightweight contender Al Iaquinta stepped up against him at main event of UFC 223. Despite being an underdog, Al Iaquinta went  distance with Khabib and did t let Dstani fighter finish him. However, that didn’t save him from being mauled by Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Khabib dictated flow of fight and mauled Al Iaquinta throughout five rounds, before wearing  lightweight title on his shoulders. However, UFC lightweight champion also praised Al Iaquinta for going to distance with him. Before Al, Khabib went on to defeat Edson Barboza and Michael Johnson but ne of m was as effective as Al Iaquinta, Khabib Nurmagomedov said. After defeating Al Iaquinta for title, Khabib Nurmagomedov successfully retained it against Cor McGregor (UFC 229) and Dustin Poirier (UFC 242).

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story of Khabib UFC champion

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(Im courtesy: UFC.com)