Edson Barboza: Kevin Lee was physically stronger than Khabib

Edson Barboza has revealed that Kevin Lee, not Khabib Nurmagomedov, was the physically strongest opponent he ever faced, saying Lee was the only fighter who made him think, "Brother, how strong is he?" Barboza described how Khabib beat him through technique rather than raw strength, always staying a step ahead in grappling exchanges, while Lee simply lifted him off the ground. Barboza also reflected on his loss to Justin Gaethje, saying he failed to execute the game plan by drifting left into Gaethje's right overhand. He noted he went into his Khabib fight with only five weeks of preparation following major shoulder and bicep surgery, and still considers that defeat a learning victory.