Joe Rogan has stirred controversy by suggesting that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s perfect MMA record of 29-0 may not be entirely justified. Rogan recalled Nurmagomedov's second UFC fight against Gleison Tibau in 2012, where he believes Tibau should have won instead. Despite controlling much of the fight, Nurmagomedov failed to land significant strikes, while Tibau displayed strong counterattacks and impeccable takedown defense. The judges awarded Nurmagomedov a unanimous decision victory, but Rogan insists this fight left an “asterisk” on his record.

By the Numbers
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov retired with an undefeated record of 29-0.
  • In his second UFC fight, Khabib attempted 13 takedowns against Gleison Tibau, all of which were defended successfully by Tibau.
Yes, But

Rogan's assertions have ignited debate within the MMA community, with fans and analysts divided over the merits of judging in that fight and the subjective nature of scoring bouts.

State of Play
  • Joe Rogan's comments have reignited discussions about the accuracy of MMA judging and the concept of undefeated records.
  • Fans are actively sharing their opinions on social media, with varying views on whether Khabib deserved the win against Tibau.
What's Next

As discussions continue, there may be increased scrutiny on the judging standards in MMA, and analysts might revisit similar controversial decisions in fights to assess how they impact fighters' legacies.

Bottom Line

The debate surrounding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record underscores the complexities of MMA scoring, highlighting that even undefeated records can have caveats, prompting fans and pundits alike to question the legitimacy of fight outcomes.