Fighter Comparison: GSP vs Khabib – Who Was More Dominant?

When it comes to the greatest fighters in MMA history, Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov are at the top of almost every list. Both men were champions. Both retired on top. And both dominated in ways few others have ever done. But the question remains:

Who was more dominant—GSP or Khabib?

Let’s break it down.

The Case for GSP: The Blueprint of Greatness

Georges “Rush” St-Pierre retired with a staggering 26-2 record, having avenged both of his career losses in dominant fashion. His career spans multiple generations of welterweight contenders, and later included a successful title win at middleweight against Michael Bisping.

Dominance by Longevity and Adaptability

9 title defenses at welterweight
Two-division UFC champion
Wins over legends like BJ Penn, Matt Hughes, Nick Diaz, and Carlos Condit
Over 50 takedowns landed in title fights

GSP wasn’t just dominant—he was methodical. He evolved with the sport, transitioning from a striker-heavy game to a complete MMA arsenal. His use of karate-based striking, elite wrestling, and high fight IQ set a new standard. Opponents couldn’t catch up to his pace, let alone outsmart him.

Weakness?

Some criticize GSP for playing it “safe” later in his career. He often won by decision, neutralizing opponents instead of finishing them. But dominance doesn’t always mean knockouts. It means control, and few fighters ever had as much control over a fight as GSP.

The Case for Khabib: The Eagle from Dagestan

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated at 29-0, with arguably the most lopsided run in lightweight history. Every fight felt like a man against a boy—Khabib mauled people.

Dominance by Destruction

13-0 in the UFC
Defended the lightweight title 3 times
Wins over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje
Finished all 3 of his title defenses
Zero rounds lost—only 1 judge ever gave a round against him (to Conor)

What made Khabib special was how predictable yet unstoppable he was. Everyone knew what was coming—takedown, control, mauling. No one could stop it. He didn’t just beat opponents; he broke them. The mental and physical pressure he imposed was unmatched.

Weakness?

If you can call it one—it’s the brevity of his reign. Khabib retired young and avoided potential matchups like Tony Ferguson (in his prime), Charles Oliveira, and a possible super-fight with GSP. His dominance was shorter than GSP’s, but it was absolute while it lasted.

UFC Fighters Explain How Scary Khabib really Is

So Who Was More Dominant?

It comes down to how you define “dominance.”

If you value longevity, versatility, and beating multiple generations of contenders:✅ GSP takes the crown.
If you value perfection, control, and finishing the best lightweights without ever tasting defeat:✅ Khabib might be the most dominant fighter ever.

The Dream Match That Never Was

GSP vs Khabib – Who Was More Dominant? Ironically, both fighters wanted to face each other. GSP vs. Khabib was a fantasy matchup that would’ve settled the debate. A clash between a seasoned strategist and a relentless mauler. Sadly, the stars never aligned.

The GSP Reign

Final Verdict:

🟩 GSP – More Accomplished🟥 Khabib – More Untouchable

Both were dominant. But in different ways. GSP is the gold standard for all-around greatness. Khabib is the epitome of invincibility.

Who do you think was more dominant? Let us know in the comments.

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