UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov's best seven fights - in pictures

Undefeated Russian headlines UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 25: (R-L) Khabib Nurmagomedov slams Abel Trujillo in their lightweight bout during UFC 160 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 25, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

UFC 160 (May 2013) – Following his commanding stoppage of Thiago Tavares, Nurmagomedov took on another guy on the up in Abel Trujillo. The Brazilian was expected to offer a stern examination of his opponent’s fabled skills, but could muster barely anything: in the 15 minutes, Nurmagomedov threw around the octagon the heavier Trujillo, completing a barely believable 21 takedowns from 27 attempts. With the decision win, he set a UFC record for takedowns in a single match and secured his position as the promotion’s undisputed best wrestler. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

John McAuley

Oct 22, 2020

This weekend marks the long-awaited comeback of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion and one of the world’s most prominent athletes.

We look at some of his most notable victories, as he looks to climb to 29-0 against interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.