UFC on FX 7 | Khabib VS Thiago Tavares Scorecard

Fight Information: Khabib vs Thiago Tavares

The highly-anticipated UFC bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Thiago Tavares took place on January 19, 2013, at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in São Paulo, Brazil. This clash was part of the UFC on FX 7 card. Khabib Nurmagomedov emerged victorious, demonstrating his superior skills and unyielding combat style. The fight was concluded in the first round by technical knockout (TKO) at 1:55. Khabib’s ground-and-pound, coupled with his fearsome wrestling capabilities, overwhelmed Tavares, leading to a decisive and emphatic win for the Dagestani fighter.

Thiago Tavares

Thiago Tavares, born on November 8, 1984, in Florianópolis, Brazil, is a seasoned mixed martial artist who made his UFC debut in 2007. Known primarily for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai skills, Tavares quickly made a name for himself with his grappling prowess. Throughout his UFC career, Tavares faced several well-known opponents and built a reputation as a resilient and technically sound fighter.

Tavares’s career has seen its share of ups and downs. He’s had notable victories over fighters such as Spencer Fisher, Sam Stout, and Clay Guida, showcasing his well-rounded skill set and ability to handle diverse fighting styles. Despite some losses along the way, including defeats by Shane Roller, Nik Lentz, and Brian Ortega, Tavares remained a competitive and respected force within the lightweight division. He later moved to the featherweight division, continuing his pursuit of success in the octagon.

In a professional career spanning more than a decade, Tavares’s UFC record stands as evidence of his enduring capability and resilience as a fighter who could compete against the best in the sport. Even as he wound down his tenure in the UFC, Tavares continued to be involved in MMA, transitioning into other roles within the sport and competing in other organizations.

Why did Khabib and Thiago Tavares Fight?

The bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Thiago Tavares was a significant event due to various reasons. Khabib, at the time, was seen as a rising star within the UFC Lightweight division. With an unbeaten professional record, he had already made waves in the MMA community through his unorthodox fighting style and his relentless approach. Thiago Tavares, on the other hand, was an experienced veteran in the UFC, holding a respectable record and known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu proficiency and striking abilities. The matchup was perceived as a test for both fighters: for Khabib, it provided an opportunity to validate his burgeoning reputation against a seasoned combatant; for Tavares, it was a chance to solidify his standing and potentially halt the meteoric rise of the undefeated newcomer. Furthermore, this fight carried a nationalistic undertone with Tavares fighting on home soil, adding extra pressure and motivation for both fighters. It was a collision course set to determine who could assert dominance in the 155-pound division.

Sig. Strikes By Position

KHABIB

Thiago Tavares

Khabib vs Thiago Tavares full fight Overview

The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Thiago Tavares was both electrifying and decisive, providing the audience with a vivid display of Khabib’s prowess.

Round 1:

From the very beginning, Khabib Nurmagomedov took control of the fight. He started aggressively, pushing the pace with relentless pressure. Tavares, a skilled fighter in his own right, seemed cautious, aware of Khabib’s feared grappling abilities. Within the first minute, Khabib managed to close the distance, utilizing his superior wrestling skills to take Tavares to the mat. What followed was a succession of devastating ground-and-pound strikes. Khabib maintained top control, raining down powerful elbows and punches, leaving Tavares unable to defend himself effectively. The referee intervened at 1:55 of the first round, declaring Khabib the winner via TKO.

Official Result: Thiago Tavares​ vs Khabib

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov by Technical Knockout (TKO)

The official result of the Khabib vs. Thiago Tavares fight was a technical knockout (TKO) victory for Khabib Nurmagomedov at 1:55 of the first round. This outcome did not just signify another win for Khabib but also underscored his arrival as a serious contender within the UFC Lightweight division.

Khabib’s strategy going into the fight was clear: leverage his superior grappling and ground control to dictate the match. Within seconds of the bout starting, Khabib closed the distance, a critical maneuver against a fighter like Tavares, who possessed potent striking abilities. Avoiding the striking range minimized the risk while enhancing the effectiveness of Khabib’s wrestling game plan.

Once the fight hit the mat, Khabib showcased his phenomenal control and relentless ground-and-pound. The blows he landed while in top control were both accurate and powerful, leaving Tavares with little room to maneuver or counter. The referee had no choice but to stop the fight, as Tavares was unable to mount any significant defense against the onslaught.

Post-fight, Khabib’s camp expressed satisfaction with the execution of their game plan, highlighting how every aspect—from takedown entries to ground striking—was practiced meticulously during training. This victory was a critical addition to Khabib’s growing resume, further solidifying his status as an undefeated fighter within the UFC.

For Tavares, the fight was a sobering test against a superior grappler. Despite his skills and experience, he couldn’t fend off Khabib’s relentless pressure. The loss, however, didn’t take away from Tavares’s standing within the division; rather, it underscored the need to evolve and adapt to the increasingly diverse skill sets possessed by top-tier opponents in the lightweight category.

The fight’s outcome had broader implications for the UFC. Khabib’s dominance reinforced the art of wrestling in MMA, emphasizing its importance alongside striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Analysts and fans alike began to pay closer attention to Khabib’s future bouts, anticipating how far his undefeated streak could go and the possible matchups that awaited him.

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.