Edson Barboza revealed that Kevin Lee, not Khabib Nurmagomedov, was the most physically powerful opponent he ever faced. Barboza said Lee simply lifted him off the ground during a takedown attempt, adding that Lee defended a D'Arce choke attempt purely through strength. On Khabib, Barboza said the Dagestani won through technique rather than raw power, always staying one step ahead on the mat. Barboza also disclosed that he went into the Khabib fight with just five weeks of preparation following major shoulder and bicep surgery, with no full training sessions beforehand.
Edson Barboza has named Kevin Lee, not Khabib Nurmagomedov, as the most physically imposing opponent of his career, making the claim in a recent interview that drew fresh attention to two of the Brazilian's most memorable lightweight bouts.
Barboza, now 40 years old and carrying a 24-14 professional record, explained that Lee physically lifted him off the mat during a takedown attempt in a way that stood apart from anything else he had experienced. He added that Lee also powered out of a D'Arce choke attempt through sheer strength alone, something Barboza described as a raw, physical force he had never encountered before or since. The American Top Team product, who stands five-foot-eleven with a 75-inch reach, has long been respected as one of the most dangerous strikers in the lightweight division, landing 4.14 significant strikes per minute across his career.
On the subject of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Barboza offered a contrasting assessment. Rather than brute power, Barboza credited the undefeated Russian's dominance to technical mastery, describing him as someone who was always one step ahead on the mat. The 29-0 Dagestani, who averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes during his career, controlled opponents through precision and positioning rather than overpowering them physically.
Barboza also disclosed a significant detail about his preparation for the Khabib fight, revealing he entered the bout with only five weeks of preparation after undergoing major shoulder and bicep surgery. He said he did not complete a single full training session before competing.
Why it matters
- Barboza's comments reframe how fans and analysts assess what made Khabib so dominant, separating technique from athleticism
- The injury disclosure adds important context to the Khabib performance, which has long been used as a benchmark for divisional dominance
- Kevin Lee's physical credentials receive a notable endorsement from a veteran who faced both men
