Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kamaru Usman are two of UFC’s household names.

Both fighters have competed primarily at Welterweight and boast incredibly impressive records in their careers inside the Octagon.

Khabib, in fact, has won all 29 of his professional fights, whilst Usman has lost just one of his 21 MMA fights. The pair are similar in age as well as record, with Khabib two years Usman’s junior at 33 years of age.

Despite the obvious comparisons between the careers of the pair, there are also obvious differences.

Firstly, their backgrounds are very different. Khabib originates from Russia, namely the Republic of Dagestan, whilst Usman hails from Nigeria and made the move to America when he was eight.

Despite the fact that he is 35, and the elder of the two fighters, Usman is the active fighter; with Khabib retiring in 2020 following the death of his father.

Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed his UFC GOAT list from fighters past and present

Khabib, nicknamed ‘The Eagle’, made his UFC debut in September 2011, submitting Vadim Sandulskiy via a triangle choke.

Despite being his maiden UFC bout, this was Khabib’s 15th professional MMA victory. Since then, his record has remained unblemished. 

Remarkably, it wasn’t until he faced Conor McGregor at UFC 229 that Khabib lost the first round of his UFC career. After winning the first two rounds, Khabib was adjudged to have lost the third.

It was of little relevance, though, as Khabib swiftly dispatched of McGregor in the following round via submission.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 05: UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov poses during a ceremonial weigh-in for UFC 229 at T-Mobile Arena on October 05, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nurmagomedov will defend his title against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 on October 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

He followed this victory up by defeating Dustin Poirier almost a year later to earn himself the record of the longest winning streak in UFC history with 28 straight victories. 

That was to be the penultimate fight of Khabib’s career, unless he can be goaded out of retirement. ‘The Eagle’ finished with one last submission victory against Justin Goethe at UFC 254 in October 2020. A fitting farewell for one of the sport’s greats.

When Usman decides to retire he will undoubtedly be held in a similar regard as Khabib. Whilst, unlike the Russian, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ has lost one professional fight, he is undefeated since making the grade in the UFC.

Kamaru Usman is the current UFC welterweight champion

His solitary career defeat came in only his second professional bout, against Jose Caceres. Since then he has been faultless.

Both Khabib and Usman are undoubtedly legends of the sport, but which of the two undefeated stars boasts the best resume? 

Well, the debate is one that has been fuelled by images of the two fighters’ career opponents circulating the internet.

Have a look at the records of both Khabib and Usman in the images below and let us know whose career you think is more impressive.

Kamaru Usman's resume

Khabib Nurmagomedov's resume

Usman most recently defended the Welterweight Championship title by seeing off Colby Covington via a unanimous decision in November 2021.

It was the second time that the pair had traded blows, with Usman also claiming victory over Covington two years prior in a battle which is widely viewed as one of the great fights in the history of the sport.

Following his second win over Covington, Usman described the American as the “most complete” opponent he has ever faced. To have defeated such a troublesome opponent twice is testament to the ability of Usman as a fighter.

So, Khabib and Usman. Two fighters who boast undefeated UFC records. Two fighters that have blessed the UFC’s Welterweight division in the same era, but also two titans who have never done battle in the Octagon. 

Many UFC fans argue that, despite Khabib’s longer unbeaten record, Usman’s UFC career is more impressive due to the, arguably, tougher opponents on his rap sheet.