UFC 160 | Khabib VS Abel Trujillo Scorecard

Fight Information: Khabib vs Abel Trujillo

The bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abel Trujillo took place at UFC 160, an event that transpired on May 25, 2013. Held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, this event was a part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) series. The event drew considerable attention from fans and pundits alike, with several high-stakes matchups, including the main event between Cain Velasquez and Antônio “Bigfoot” Silva. Khabib emerged victorious in his fight against Trujillo, achieving dominance through a unanimous decision. This victory marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his superior grappling abilities and solidifying his standing in the Lightweight division.

Abel Trujillo

Abel Trujillo, an American mixed martial artist, began his athletic journey as a college wrestler before transitioning to MMA in 2009. Trujillo entered the UFC in 2012 with a reputation for his striking abilities and knockout power.

Trujillo’s UFC debut came against Marcus LeVesseur, whom he defeated via TKO due to knees in the second round. Over the course of his UFC career, Trujillo showcased his striking skills and aggression, capturing victories over opponents like Roger Bowling and Jamie Varner.

Despite facing several setbacks against top-tier fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson, and James Vick, Trujillo displayed significant resilience and continued to be a competitive force in the Lightweight division. He accumulated a UFC record of 6-7 before parting ways with the organization in 2018. Trujillo’s time in the UFC was marked by moments of brilliance, but he ultimately struggled to find consistency against the elite competition.

Why did Khabib and Abel Trujillo Fight?

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abel Trujillo faced off due to their rising trajectories within the UFC Lightweight division. Khabib, an undefeated prospect from Dagestan, had already made a name for himself with his unblemished record and relentless grappling style. His previous victories had positioned him as one of the division’s most promising fighters, creating a compelling narrative around his potential title aspirations.

Abel Trujillo, on the other hand, was also gaining traction in the UFC with his own set of impressive performances. Known for his striking prowess and athleticism, Trujillo presented a unique challenge to Khabib’s grappling-heavy approach. The bout was essentially a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup, with fans eagerly anticipating which style would prevail. Additionally, both fighters were aiming to ascend the ranks quickly, making this fight crucial for their respective careers. The clash was more than just a mere contest; it was a proving ground for both fighters to demonstrate their skills and justify their ambitions within the UFC.

Sig. Strikes By Position

KHABIB

Abel Trujillo

Khabib vs Abel Trujillo full fight Overview

Leading up to the fight, fans were eager to see how Khabib’s grappling would fare against Trujillo’s striking. As the bout unfolded, it became evident that Khabib’s wrestling would be the decisive factor.

Round 1:
The first round saw Khabib implementing his game plan with precision. He took Trujillo down multiple times, displaying superior control and making it difficult for Trujillo to mount any significant offense. Trujillo attempted to escape Khabib’s clutches but found himself repeatedly grounded.

Round 2:
The second round was a continuation of Khabib’s dominance. He secured additional takedowns and maintained top control, frustrating Trujillo’s attempts to stand up or strike. Khabib’s relentless pressure left Trujillo with no opportunity to leverage his striking power.

Round 3:
By the final round, Khabib’s strategy was well established. He continued to secure takedowns and smother Trujillo on the mat. Despite Trujillo’s efforts to turn the tide, Khabib’s grappling prowess proved insurmountable, culminating in a clear victory via unanimous decision.

Official Result: Abel Trujillo​ vs Khabib

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov by Unanimous Decision

The official result of the fight was a unanimous decision victory for Khabib Nurmagomedov. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27 in favor of Khabib, emphasizing his dominance throughout all three rounds.

Khabib’s performance was a masterclass in wrestling and control. He set a UFC record for the most takedowns in a single fight, successfully executing 21 takedowns on Trujillo. This statistic alone highlighted Khabib’s relentless grappling approach and ability to neutralize an opponent’s offense.

Trujillo, despite being on the receiving end of such domination, displayed commendable resilience. He continuously tried to fight back and stand up, but Khabib’s technique and strength left little room for success. Trujillo’s ability to survive the relentless onslaught without being submitted or knocked out demonstrated his toughness.

The fight showcased Khabib’s exceptional skill set and further solidified his reputation as a formidable contender in the Lightweight division. It was a pivotal moment in his career, setting the stage for future title aspirations and heightened expectations from fans and analysts.

Conclusion

The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abel Trujillo at UFC 160 was a significant moment for both fighters. Khabib’s victory via unanimous decision underscored his grappling dominance and set the stage for his eventual rise to become the UFC Lightweight Champion. On the other hand, Abel Trujillo displayed resilience despite being outclassed, showcasing his toughness and willingness to compete against top-tier competition.

Khabib’s career continued on an upward trajectory, leading to his retirement with an unblemished record and a legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. Abel Trujillo, although not achieving the same level of success, remained a competitive force in the division and demonstrated the challenges of climbing the ranks in the UFC.

The Khabib vs. Trujillo fight remains a memorable clash in UFC history, highlighting the contrasting styles of a grappling maestro and a striking specialist, and the sheer dominance that defined Khabib’s legendary career.