After the injury replacement, the constant reshuffling and the drama that took place prior to the fight, UFC 223 still had a tremendous amount of interest. The fighting community was definitely following closely, as they reacted on social media to witness Khabib Nurmagomedov take on Al Iaquinta and finally get his hands on UFC gold.
So as usual, we’ve curated some of the reactions around the Twittersphere. A lot of the initial opinions were mostly rooted in the sentiment that Iaquinta had no chance, but things changed a bit around round 4. Iaquinta’s push forward and success standing – along with his refusal to continue to press forward – were noted and shown a lot of respect.
Khabib got the belt in the end, but the fight seems like it was enjoyed by everyone.
Well, almost everyone…
Before the fight:
Who knows what time it is….#ufc223 #khabibnurmagomedov #khabib
— Gökhan Saki (@gokhantherebel) April 8, 2018
Lamb to the slaughter
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) April 8, 2018
I tell you what, I know @ALIAQUINTA personally, & he gives 0 fucks !!! #UFC223 card
— Dennis Bermudez (@MenaceBermudez) April 8, 2018
Then the fight kicked off.
That was a sick single… not easy to keep. Different level, especially at the beginning of a fight when Al is strong and ready. @ufc
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) April 8, 2018
A minute in and i got the fight Khabib 1-0
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) April 8, 2018
Khabib definite rd 1 as he just smothered iaquinta
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) April 8, 2018
Bruh @TeamKhabib is a monster! #ufc223
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) April 8, 2018
AI has a ❤️ that’s for sure @ufc
— Manny Gamburyan (@MannyGamburyan) April 8, 2018
10-8 rd Khabib. Take down to back control and then top transitions. Stifling #ufc223
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) April 8, 2018
Khabib is a bear #ufc223
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) April 8, 2018
Khabib decides to keep it standing and wins that round too. 3-0 @TeamKhabib #ufc223
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) April 8, 2018
Terrible. He’s fighting a dude who was getting ready for a 3 rounder
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) April 8, 2018
1 days notice and @ALIAQUINTA gave Khabib the toughest fight yet. Al’s a warrior through and through. Tonight was a win regardless
— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) April 8, 2018
I hope Iaquinta is paid handsomely for this effort. #UFC223
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) April 8, 2018
Good Fight Al… @ALIAQUINTA Way To Represent The #TUFGuys #ufc223 @ufc @joerogan @danawhite
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 8, 2018
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) April 8, 2018
@ALIAQUINTA is a savage #UFC223 #madprops
— Julianna Peña (@VenezuelanVixen) April 8, 2018
@TeamKhabib with the line of the night! “Where’s Conor?” “You want to fight with bus!”
— walt harris (@thebigticket205) April 8, 2018
Mightiest Daddy 
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