Edson Barboza says Kevin Lee was physically stronger than Khabib Nurmagomedov

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.