Khabib Nurmagomedov dominates in cage return, calls out lightweight champion
After two years away from competition due to multiple serious injuries, Khabib Nurmagomedov was his normal dominant self, Saturday in Tampa. The Russian wrestler stopped last-minute replacement and UFC rookie Darrell Horcher with ground strikes from the back mount at 3:38 of the second round.
In his previous bout, Nurmagomedov dominated Rafael dos Anjos, who is now the lightweight world champion. After waiting for years to get back into the ring, Khabib sounded relieved.
"Now I'm free. You guys see how dangerous the Eagle is when he's hungry," he said in his post-fight interview.
Nurmagomedov then called out RDA, asking for a fall title-shot. "Two years ago, in Florida...I beat you by unanimous decision," he shouted.
"Let's finish our business. I see you in September, October, or maybe November, in New York."
Nurmagomedov stayed perfect against the tough and skilled Horcher. Nearly three minutes into the first round, Khabib scored his first takedown, landing on top in the half-guard.
With about a minute left in the round, he began to open up with elbow strikes, before taking Horcher's back and punching him until the period ended. In the second round, Nurmagomedov scored a hip-toss about 30 seconds in, landing on top in the side mount near the cage wall.
Soon, Horcher found himself in a crucifix position while sidemounted, with his near arm trapped by Nurmagomedov's legs and his far-side arm trapped by Khabib's head and right arm.
The top contender pounded away with punches and elbows to the face of Darrell, but Horcher managed to escape. From there, he had his back taken once more, and was forced to absorb punches while face-down, until the referee stepped in and called the contest.
Afterwards, Horcher hit the cage wall in frustration but then hugged Nurmagomedov. The two men shared words and then Nurmagomedov raised his game opponent's arm and gestured to the crowd for them to praise the 28 year-old. Horcher's record dips to 12-2, while Nurmagomedov's improves to 23-0.
