Barboza Says 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. Barboza described Lee simply picking him up and slamming him to the mat, while he said Khabib's dominance was rooted in technique rather than raw power. On his loss to Khabib, Barboza noted he went into the fight with just five weeks of preparation following major shoulder surgery, and considers it one of his most educational experiences despite the defeat. He also reflected on his KO loss to Justin Gaethje, attributing it to breaking from a game-plan he had drilled for two months rather than Gaethje's punching power.