Edson 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, recalling that Lee simply lifted him off the ground and slammed him. Barboza said Khabib won through technique, always staying one step ahead with his grappling, while Lee overpowered him on pure strength. He also reflected on his loss to Justin Gaethje, attributing it to failing to execute his gameplan rather than Gaethje being the hardest hitter he faced. Barboza disclosed that heading into the Khabib fight he had only five weeks of preparation while still recovering from shoulder and biceps surgery.