JUSTIN GAETHJE took aim at Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of their mega showdown on Saturday – insisting his UFC rival lost his undefeated record EIGHT years ago.
Officially holding a record of 28 wins and zero defeats in the Octagon, Khabib overcame a tricky contest with Brazilian fighter Gleison Tibau in 2012.
The three-round affair featured several takedowns of both men and ended in a unanimous points decision for the Russian.
However Gaethje has revealed his scepticism, telling ESPN: "I think he lost to Tibau though, that’s just me."
Media scorecards at the time showed a number of experts thought Tibau should have won in Las Vegas.
And fans were also in disagreement over the decision, one writing on MMA Decisions' messageboard at the time: "You have to be a blind nutthugger to score it for Khabib. SHAME ON INCOMPETENT JUDGES ONCE AGAIN!!!!"
Yet another commented: "If you voted for Tibau after that. Then you were paying less attention to the fight, and more attention to Rogan's commentary."
Gaethje and Khabib face off on Saturday night after the American's crushing victory over Tony Ferguson in May.
Conor McGregor was also floated as a potential opponent but Gaethje only ever wanted Khabib.
And Gaethje, 31, believes he is driven by the potential glory awaiting him – unlike the Irishman.
If I beat Khabib and then I beat Conor, in these times, under this microscope [that's] legendary."
He continued: "Not everyone is a greedy f***** like him.
"For one, if I beat Khabib and then I beat Conor… in these times, under this microscope [that's] legendary.
"Absolutely legendary, that will be almost unmatched in the history of what we do.
"So to be in that position feels great. Unless I die young, to have those experiences is exhilarating, it's awesome."
PICTURED: Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje look shredded on scales as UFC 254 rivals both weight-in at 155lbs
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