UFC free fight: Relive Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC debut in 2012

Khabib Nurmagomedov's dominant performance in his UFC debut was just a small sample of what was to come.

Khabib Nurmagomedov entered the UFC a perfect 16-0 and has not lost since.

In 2012, Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) faced wrestler Kamal Shalorus, who was 16 years his senior. It was not only Nurmagomedov’s first time to fight in the U.S., but also his first time to fight in a cage, as all his previous fights in Russia had been in a ring.

Shalorus came out aggressive, pressuring Nurmagomedov while throwing heavy strikes. At around the two minute mark of Round 1, Shalorus connected with a big shot to the body that had Nurmagomedov ducking under for the takedown, but Shalorus sprawled.

However, as he made his way up, he was met with a huge left hand by Nurmagomedov which dropped him, though Shalorus was able to weather the storm and survive the round.

In Round 2, Nurmagomedov scored the early takedown and got top control for a few minutes before getting stood up by the referee. But Nurmagomedov was able to get the fight right back to the mat, using his wrestling to control the second round.

Round 3, Shalorus shot for the takedown, but it was easily stuffed by Nurmagomedov, who eventually decided to go for a takedown of his own. He transitioned from side control to full mount, and then was able to sink in a rear-naked choke as Shalorus was turning, submitting him in an overall dominant performance.

It has been more of the same throughout Nurmagomedov’s career, who has gone on to win 12 straight fights in the UFC en route to capturing the promotion’s lightweight title.

Nurmagomedov is scheduled to face Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 on April 18 in one of the most highly-anticipated fights in UFC history, but with Nurmagomedov currently stuck in Dagestan and facing a coronavirus-related travel ban, it seems the fight is currently in jeopardy.

While that gets sorted out, check out Nurmagomedov’s UFC debut in the video above.