Khabib Nurmagomedov hasn’t given fans many opportunities to criticize him, but just like every other human, Nurmagomedov also has a few limitations. “The Eagle” is widely reputed to be one of the best grapplers in UFC history, but several MMA pundits have often questioned why he never moved to welterweight after annihilating lightweights.
Recently, the UFC Atlanta main eventer, Joaquin Buckley, highlighted the alleged reason behind Nurmagomedov’s restraint towards moving to welterweight. However, most fans weren’t particularly impressed by Buckley’s mocking gesture. One of them bashed him for his big mouth.
Fans Predicted a Defeat for Joaquin Buckley Against Khabib Nurmagomedov
Several MMA fans, including the UFC CEO, Dana White, lament the fact that Nurmagomedov declared his retirement in 2020, while he was just 33. A large chunk of the fanbase also feels that Nurmagomedov could have enjoyed success at welterweight after he dominated the lightweight division.
The former UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson recently highlighted how avoiding welterweight might put Nurmagomedov behind his bosom friend, Islam Makhachev, in terms of legacy.
“Mighty Mouse” caught up with Buckley for a recent episode of his “Mighty” podcast, where the duo discussed that Makhachev would surpass Nurmagomedov’s legacy if he manages to claim the welterweight title in his almost-confirmed fight against Jack Della Maddalena.
An X update from @RedCorner_MMA exhibited a section from the podcast episode where Buckley revealed why he thought Nurmagomedov avoided moving to welterweight.
“Khabib was smart, though. He knew he couldn’t handle guys at 170 [welterweight]. His arms were too short,” said “New Mansa.”
😲🗣️Joaquin Buckley:
“Khabib was smart, he knew he couldn’t handle guys at 170. His arms were too short.”
🎥: @MightyMouse pic.twitter.com/eeozDngywC
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 12, 2025
Johnson burst out laughing after witnessing Buckley’s T-Rex-like gesture to portray Nurmagomedov’s stance, but most fans derided “New Mansa” for his outrageous opinion. One of them stated, “Dis boi [This boy] talks too much.”
Dis boi talks too much
— fakhrurrazi (@fakrool07) June 12, 2025
Another follower gave a reasonable reply, writing, “Khabib never needed his hand to be long. He can beat 170 guys on the ground [and] make them wish [that] the fight will [would] end or he [would] submit them to end their suffering .”
Khabib never needed his hand to be long he can beat 170 guys on the ground make them wish the fight will end or he submit them to end their suffering .
— Saief-Almasry (@SaiefQate3) June 13, 2025
A third one stated, “Khabib beats Buckley in round 2.”
Khabib beats Buckley in round 2
— Kyler (@kylerbets) June 12, 2025
A few others mocked Buckey’s take, saying, “Holland gave Buckley CTE” and “Prime Khabib can probably beat Buck[ley], but he wouldn’t have been able to handle the Usman that was at 170 when he was at 155.”
The commendable striking pedigree of UFC stars like Jon Jones and Alexander Volkanovski proves that having a larger reach often enables fighters to enjoy better success with their striking.
Nurmagomedov has a shorter reach than most of his contemporary lightweights, which can be considered one of the significant factors behind his inferior striking. However, it might be too far-fetched to consider his limited reach the reason behind his reluctance to fight in the welterweight division.