Edson Barboza says Kevin Lee was physically stronger than Khabib

Edson Barboza revealed that Kevin Lee, not Khabib Nurmagomedov, was the physically strongest opponent he ever faced, recalling how Lee simply lifted and slammed him despite Barboza believing the takedown wouldn't land. Barboza praised Khabib's technical brilliance, saying the Dagestani always stayed one step ahead in grappling exchanges, but noted Khabib did not hit particularly hard. He also reflected on his loss to Justin Gaethje, attributing it to a failure to execute his game plan rather than exceptional punching power, and shared that he entered his Khabib fight with just five weeks of preparation following major shoulder surgery.