The MMA community is buzzing again—this time after Ronda Rousey questioned the pedestal fans have placed under Khabib Nurmagomedov’s undefeated career.
During a recent podcast appearance, Rousey suggested that the sport’s obsession with “retiring undefeated” may discourage fighters from continuing to test themselves. While she didn’t name names directly, her remarks were clearly interpreted as a jab toward the former UFC lightweight champion.
Khabib’s longtime manager wasted no time firing back. In a passionate response, he accused Rousey of taking cheap shots at a fighter whose career was defined by dominance and discipline.
“She can’t compare herself to Khabib,” he stated. “He left at the top—undefeated, respected, and true to his word. She left after being knocked out and never came back. That’s the difference.”
He didn’t stop there. The manager went on to challenge Rousey’s credibility, even proposing a hypothetical comeback fight.
“If Ronda really thinks she’s better, let her return and fight Kayla Harrison. I’m sure Kayla would be happy to remind her what real competition feels like.”
Beyond the heated exchange, he emphasized Khabib’s integrity—both in and out of the Octagon.
“You’ll never hear Khabib talk down about anyone,” he said. “That’s why fans around the world respect him. He lets his record speak for itself.”
For many, this back-and-forth revives a familiar question: what makes a fighter truly great? Is it dominance, longevity, or knowing when to walk away?
Ronda Rousey’s legacy remains monumental. As the UFC’s first female superstar, she defended her title six consecutive times and paved the way for women’s MMA. But her career ended abruptly after back-to-back knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes—leading her to transition to WWE and Hollywood.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, left the sport in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record and an aura of unmatched respect. He retired as lightweight champion, fulfilling a promise to his late father and cementing a legacy defined by discipline rather than spectacle.
Whether you side with Rousey’s perspective or Khabib’s silence, one thing is clear: both names remain etched in MMA history—but their paths to greatness couldn’t be more different.
