UFC 148 Results | Khabib VS Gleison Tibau Scorecard

Fight Information: Khabib vs Gleison Tibau

The highly anticipated fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Gleison Tibau took place on July 7, 2012, during UFC 148 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a clash that fans had eagerly awaited, pitting the then-rising star, Khabib, against a seasoned veteran in Tibau. The bout went the full three rounds and concluded with a unanimous decision victory for Khabib Nurmagomedov. Judges scored the fight 30-27 in favor of Khabib, marking a crucial step in his undefeated ascent in the UFC lightweight division.

Gleison Tibau

Gleison Tibau, a UFC mainstay for many years, was born on July 10, 1983, in Brazil. Boasting a substantial grappling background, Tibau transitioned to MMA in the early 2000s and had a prolific career in various promotions before joining the UFC. Tibau entered the UFC in 2006 and quickly became recognized for his resilience, solid grappling, and well-rounded skills.

Tibau fought 28 times in the UFC, possessing a commendable record of 17 wins and 11 losses during his tenure. Known for his ability to cut weight effectively, Tibau often competed at lightweight, showcasing his grappling prowess and durability in numerous bouts. While he never fought for the title, his career was highlighted by victories over notable fighters and his reputation as one of the toughest grapplers in the division. Post-UFC, Tibau continued to fight in other promotions, further solidifying his legacy as a seasoned and respected veteran of the sport.

Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov and Gleison Tibau Fight?

The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Gleison Tibau was monumental for several reasons, primarily laying the groundwork for Khabib’s storied UFC career while also testing him against one of the hardest fighters to take down. Tibau, known for his grappling and resilience, served as a significant stepping stone for Khabib. This match was essentially a proving ground for Khabib, who had only fought once in the UFC before this showdown. UFC 148 featured several other notable fights, but the clash between Khabib and Tibau attracted significant interest due to their styles and records. Tibau, with his extensive UFC experience and impressive skills, was expected to be a formidable opponent, providing fans with a gauge of Khabib’s capabilities and potential for success in the UFC. Hence, the match was not just a fight but a critical junction in Khabib’s career to either cement or question his hype.

Sig. Strikes By Position

KHABIB

Gleison Tibau

Khabib vs Gleison Tibau full fight Overview

The encounter between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Gleison Tibau was a tightly contested bout that demonstrated the resilience and skill of both fighters. The fight took place during UFC 148 and lasted the full three rounds.

Round 1

In the first round, Khabib came out aggressively, pursuing takedowns and attempting to establish his grappling dominance. However, Tibau’s takedown defense was impeccable, and he successfully thwarted Khabib’s efforts. The round saw both fighters exchanging strikes, with Tibau’s counter-attacks keeping Khabib at bay.

Round 2

The second round continued in a similar fashion, with Khabib relentlessly pressing for takedowns that Tibau skillfully defended. Tibau landed some effective strikes, but Khabib’s pressure and forward movement persisted, making it a closely contested round.

Round 3

In the final round, Khabib turned up the intensity, continuing his pursuit of takedowns, although Tibau remained resilient. The round was marked by significant activity on both sides, with Khabib’s relentless pressure still evident. Tibau managed to land more strikes, but Khabib’s forward aggression and control seemed to sway the judges.

Official Result: Gleison​ vs Khabib

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov by Unanimous Decision 

The official result of the fight was a unanimous decision victory for Khabib Nurmagomedov, with all three judges scoring it 30-27 in his favor. This decision, however, sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts. Many argued that Tibau’s effective striking and takedown defense were sufficient to garner him at least one or two rounds. Notably, UFC commentators Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg also mentioned during the broadcast that they believed Tibau was performing well against Khabib.

The judges’ decision was primarily influenced by Khabib’s relentless aggression and pursuit of takedowns, even though he was largely unsuccessful in grounding Tibau for significant periods. UFC’s scoring criteria often favor aggression and octagon control, which likely worked in Khabib’s favor. Despite the controversy, the win was pivotal for Khabib as it kept his record unblemished and propelled him forward in his UFC career.

For Gleison Tibau, the fight was a testament to his takedown defense and striking skills, earning him respect despite the loss. Tibau’s ability to neutralize Khabib’s grappling for the most part was noteworthy and highlighted his experience and skill. However, it wasn’t enough to sway the judges, signaling how critical strategic aggression and octagon control can be under UFC judging criteria.

Conclusion

The UFC 148 fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Gleison Tibau remains a significant chapter in MMA history. While the bout ended in a unanimous decision for Khabib, it showcased the resilience and skills of both fighters. For Khabib, it was a critical victory that furthered his unbeaten streak and solidified his status as a rising star in the UFC. For Tibau, it was a demonstration of his durability and competence, showcasing why he was considered one of the toughest fighters in the lightweight division.

Both Khabib and Tibau have had illustrious careers, with their fight serving as a memorable moment for fans and analysts alike. The controversy surrounding the decision only adds to the bout’s legacy, emphasizing the complexities and nuances of MMA scoring. Ultimately, the fight encapsulated the spirit of competition and the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts.