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 during their bout. Barboza described Khabib as a technically superior grappler who was always a step ahead, while noting he was not a hard puncher. Barboza also reflected on his loss to Justin Gaethje, saying he failed to execute the game plan his team had prepared over two months.
Edson Barboza has opened up about the toughest physical challenges of his career, singling out Kevin Lee as the strongest opponent he has ever faced — ranking him above even the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov in that regard.
Barboza, now 40 years old and competing out of American Top Team, holds a professional record of 24 wins and 14 losses across a lengthy career in the lightweight division. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 75-inch reach, he has long been one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport, averaging 4.14 significant strikes landed per minute over his career.
On Khabib, Barboza offered a nuanced take. He described the Russian as a technically masterful grappler who was always a step ahead tactically, but noted the retired 29-0 champion was not a hard puncher. Khabib, who averaged an extraordinary 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his career, controlled opponents through positioning and pressure rather than power.
It was Kevin Lee, however, whom Barboza recalled as the more physically imposing force. He described Lee simply lifting him off the ground during their fight — a display of raw strength that left a lasting impression.
Barboza also reflected on his defeat to current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. The 37-year-old American holds a 28-5 record and is among the most aggressive finishers in the division, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Barboza acknowledged that he failed to follow the game plan his team had spent two months developing ahead of that contest.
Why it matters
- Barboza's candid assessment offers rare perspective on what separates elite grapplers technically from those who rely on physical dominance
- The remarks on Gaethje highlight how even thorough preparation can break down against a fighter of his offensive output
- Khabib's legacy as a technical grappler rather than a power fighter is reinforced by one of his former opponents
