biography khabib nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov

" the eagle ".

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khabib nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov was born on September 20, 1988, in the mountain village of Sildi in the Tsumadinsky District of Dagestan.

His father, Abdulmanap Magomedovich Nurmagomedov , a decorated coach for combat sambo holding the title of the Honoured Coach of Russia, instilled a love for sports in Khabib from his early age and brought him to various sports clubs.

Three years of training in freestyle wrestling under his father gave him a good base that played a big role in terms of how his professional athlete career developed. Up to this day, these skills remain crucial to his wins in Octagon at the tournaments of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Many people saw a video clip where Khabib Nurmagomedov and his brother take turns in wrestling with a bear cub in the mountains. This video footage where kids are so eager and deft to play with a dangerous, though small, carnivore – shock and amaze many foreign fighters .

In 2001, Abdulmapan Nurmagomedov decided to leave the rural area and moved his family, including his teenage son Khabib, to Makhachkala, the Dagestani capital, where the future champion continued his training.

Khabib exercised with his brothers, relatives and friends – about 15 people in total. Day by day, they would work on their fighting skills in order to become stronger and tougher, helping each other to develop further.

According to Khabib, when he was training in wrestling as a child, he once stumbled upon a video recording of mixed martial arts, and it inspired him to try to go in for this sport.

After careful consideration, his father decided to apprentice him to judo first, to a honoured coach Jafar Jafarov – who taught Khabib judo throws.

Up to now, Jafarov’s judo school is considered one of the best in Russia. Two years of training under Jafarov made Khabib a more versatile athlete.

After years of coaching, Abdulmapan Nurmagomedov, the former Ukrainian Freestyle Wrestling and Sambo Champion, decided to fully engage in combat sambo, as he saw a lot room for growth in this sport with its combination of grappling and striking, which makes it perfect for all-round development of an athlete.

• Russian Championship Finalist
• Eurasian Championship Hand-to-Hand Combat
• Champion of Russia
• Two-Time Combat Sambo World Champion
• European Pankration Champion
• NAGA World Grappling Champion
• Participated in M-1 Global tournaments and tournaments under the auspices of other organizations

«If Sambo was easy, it would be called jiu jitsu»

Khabib Nurmagomedov

EARLY CAREER

In 2005, Khabib began to go in for sambo under his father. He succeeded greatly in this sport, became the Champion of Russia and a two-time Combat Sambo World Champion.

In 2008, after a significant amateur career in various kinds of sports, he turned to professional mixed martial arts that were getting more and more popular abroad.

On September 13, 2008, just a week before his birthday, he made his professional MMA debut in Poltava, Ukraine, at the CSFU: Champions League tournament where he fought against Azerbaijani Vusal Bayramov. With a submission hold from behind on the third minute of the fight, Khabib made his opponent surrender and scored his first win in the professional career. This started his winning streak that keeps rolling up to now.

Khabib Nurmagomedov stands out against the other fighters because of his endurance, great base of freestyle wrestling, excellent grappling skills (his win in NAGA World Championship proves it best), cool calculating head, good sense of distance and strict compliance with the fight plan of his trainer.

«They have no idea how strong my faith for Allah is. They win the belts. I win the hearts!»

RECORD 24-0

As of June 2017, Khabib has a unique record of 24 wins without any defeats in his career. During the fight against Abel Trujillo, a good promising athlete at the time, he took the opponent down to the ground 21 times in three rounds breaking the record for the biggest number of takedowns in a UFC fight.

Khabib became the first Russian fighter in the UFC league, with its ratings and title fights, which gave the best promotion to all the Russian athletes.

In his UFC debut on January 20, 2012, he repeated his success in the professional sports by defeating an Iranian athlete Kamal Shalorus via submission hold on the third minute of the third round at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller – exactly as in the fight against Vuslav Bayramov.

Professional analysts immediately noticed brilliant fighting skills of the Russian athlete.

The extraordinary sequence of six wins in a dominant manner – Kamal Shalorus was followed by Gleison Tibau, Abel Trujillo, Pat Healy and Rafael Dos Anjos – was tarnished by a series of traumas. In summer 2014, he suffered a knee injury, i.e. a rupture of the cruciate ligament, which sidelined him for a year, just as he was preparing to fight against the versatile and unpredictable Tony Ferguson. Then, in 2015, an injured rib forced the fast developing Russian athlete out of the game for an indefinite period of time.

«Ireland only has like 6 million people. In Russia, there are 150 million people. I want to fight with your chicken because that's the number one easy fight in the lightweight division!»

Originally scheduled to fight against that very Tony Ferguson on April 16, 2016, Khabib was looking for a tough and fierce comeback fight, but Ferguson pulled out last minute due to an injury and was replaced by a UFC newcomer Darrell Horcher from the US. Horcher could not put up an appropriate resistance against ‘the eagle’. His passive defence in the end of the second round made him unable to continue, and the combat was stopped by a referee.

On November 12, 2016, at UFC 205 in New York, Khabib defeated an excellent American puncher Michael Johnson who had won against Tony Ferguson a few years before. Michael Johnson had no chance against Khabib's savage beating and tireless pressure. In the middle of the third round, Nurmagomedov had pinned Johnson up against the cage of Octagon, eventually forcing him to tap out by submission (kimura). After the bout, Khabib and Michael Johnson thanked each other for the good performance, and Johnson wished him to win the belt that he deserved. The goal was just one step away.

Khabib seemed to be back on track and ready to steamroller, but unfortunately something went sour.

The bout for the interim Lightweight Championship was scheduled on March 4, 2017, against the well-known Tony Ferguson. However, just a few hours before the fight, Khabib Nurmagomedov fell ill because of theoverstrain and was taken to hospital. As a result, for the third time, the combat between the two best fighters in the lightweight division was called off.

KHABIB TODAY

In 2016, he became the President of the fighting team "EAGLES MMA". In 2019, he became a co-owner of the promotion Gorilla Fighting Championship, and just a year later, he bought out the promotion, rebranded it, and named the league Eagle Fighting Championship.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov – The Unbeatable MMA Legend

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Early Life and Background
• Rise to Prominence
• Fighting Style and Technique
• Championship Reign
• Legacy and Retirement
• Life Beyond MMA

1. Introduction

Khabib Nurmagomedov, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of MMA. His unparalleled grappling skills, unyielding dominance, and undefeated record have solidified his place in the annals of combat sports history. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the life, career, and legacy of Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov.

2. Early Life and Background

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s early life in the rugged terrain of Dagestan played a pivotal role in shaping his character and laying the foundation for his future success in MMA. Growing up in a region known for its rich wrestling tradition, Khabib was immersed in martial arts from a young age. Under the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, himself a decorated combat sports coach, Khabib began training in sambo and judo before transitioning to wrestling. His upbringing instilled in him a deep respect for discipline, hard work, and the importance of family—a ethos that would become evident throughout his career. Despite facing adversity and financial struggles, Khabib remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to his training and forging a path to greatness.

3. Rise to Prominence

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s rise to prominence in the world of MMA was marked by a string of dominant performances that showcased his formidable skills and unwavering determination. After making his professional debut in September 2008, Khabib quickly amassed an impressive record of victories on the regional circuit, captivating audiences with his relentless grappling and tenacious fighting style. His ascent to the sport’s elite ranks was accelerated by his signing with the UFC in 2012, where he embarked on a meteoric rise through the lightweight division. With each successive victory, Khabib’s reputation as a fearsome competitor continued to grow, culminating in his eventual coronation as the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.

4. Fighting Style and Technique

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fighting style is a testament to his unparalleled mastery of grappling and ground-based combat. Drawing upon his extensive background in sambo, judo, and wrestling, Khabib employs a relentless and suffocating approach to overwhelm opponents both on the feet and on the ground. His ability to seamlessly transition between takedowns, ground control, and punishing ground-and-pound sets him apart as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history. What sets Khabib apart is not just his technical proficiency, but also his mental fortitude and strategic acumen. Inside the Octagon, he remains calm under pressure, methodically breaking down opponents with a calculated precision that belies his ferociousness.

5. Championship Reign

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s championship reign in the UFC lightweight division stands as a testament to his dominance and unrivaled skill set. Following his coronation as champion in April 2018, Khabib embarked on a series of title defenses against the division’s top contenders, dispatching each with ease and precision. His victories over the likes of Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje further solidified his status as the undisputed king of the 155-pound weight class. Beyond his technical prowess, Khabib’s championship reign was characterized by his unwavering integrity, humility, and respect for the sport—a legacy that continues to inspire fighters and fans alike.

6. Legacy and Retirement

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement from MMA in October 2020 marked the end of an era and solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. With an immaculate record of 29-0, including 13 wins in the UFC, Khabib’s undefeated streak stands as a testament to his unparalleled skill, resilience, and dominance inside the Octagon. Beyond his achievements as a fighter, Khabib’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to his principles, his humility in victory, and his respect for his opponents. As he bids farewell to active competition, Khabib leaves behind a lasting impact on the sport of MMA and an indelible legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

7. Impact on the Sport

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s impact on the sport of MMA transcends his accomplishments inside the cage. His rise to prominence has helped elevate the popularity of MMA, particularly in regions like Russia and Dagestan, where he is revered as a national hero and an inspiration to aspiring fighters. Khabib’s success has also brought increased attention to the discipline of sambo, a martial art in which he excelled and which has now gained recognition on the global stage. Moreover, Khabib’s unwavering commitment to his Muslim faith and his proud representation of his cultural heritage have endeared him to fans around the world, further cementing his status as a transcendent figure in the sport.

8. Philanthropy and Giving Back

Off the mat, Khabib Nurmagomedov is known for his philanthropic endeavors and dedication to giving back to his community. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in charitable initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged youth, promoting education, and improving access to sports facilities in Dagestan and beyond. Khabib’s commitment to philanthropy reflects his belief in the transformative power of sport and his desire to uplift and empower the next generation of athletes. By leveraging his platform for positive change, Khabib continues to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside the cage.

9. Future Endeavors

While Khabib Nurmagomedov has retired from active competition, his influence on the sport of MMA is far from over. In the wake of his retirement, Khabib has transitioned to a role as a coach and mentor, guiding the next generation of fighters at his gym in Dagestan and sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring athletes. Additionally, Khabib has expressed interest in pursuing ventures outside of MMA, including business opportunities and philanthropic initiatives aimed at furthering the development of sports and education in his native region. As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, Khabib’s impact on the sport and his legacy as one of its greatest champions will continue to endure.

For comprehensive insights into the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters, including details on their techniques, accomplishments, and impact on the sport, delve into our article on the Best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Fighter . Discover the legends and rising stars who have left an indelible mark on the BJJ community, shaping its landscape with their unparalleled skills and dedication to the art.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history is undeniable. From his humble beginnings in Dagestan to his reign as the undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. Beyond his accomplishments inside the cage, Khabib’s integrity, humility, and commitment to his values have endeared him to fans around the world and solidified his status as a role model and inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. As he transitions to the next phase of his life, Khabib leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What makes Khabib Nurmagomedov one of the greatest fighters in MMA history?

A: Khabib’s dominance in the lightweight division, coupled with his undefeated record and unparalleled grappling skills, solidify his status as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. His relentless pressure, suffocating ground game, and ability to control opponents have set him apart from his peers.

Q2. What are some of Khabib’s most memorable fights?

A: Khabib’s bout against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 is widely regarded as one of the most iconic fights in MMA history. His submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, which marked his retirement from the sport, is also a standout moment in his career.

Q3. How did Khabib’s upbringing influence his fighting style and mentality?

A: Khabib’s upbringing in Dagestan, a region known for producing elite wrestlers and fighters, played a significant role in shaping his fighting style and mentality. His early exposure to combat sports, combined with the discipline instilled by his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, laid the foundation for his success in MMA.

Q4. What is Khabib’s legacy in the sport of MMA?

A: Khabib’s legacy in MMA extends beyond his accomplishments inside the cage. His unwavering integrity, humility, and commitment to his values have made him a role model and inspiration to fans around the world. Moreover, his impact on the sport and its popularity in regions like Russia and Dagestan is immeasurable.

Q5. What are Khabib’s plans for the future now that he has retired from active competition?

A: Following his retirement from active competition, Khabib has expressed interest in coaching and mentoring the next generation of fighters. He has also hinted at pursuing business opportunities and philanthropic initiatives aimed at giving back to his community in Dagestan.

Q6. Will Khabib ever return to the Octagon for a comeback fight?

A: While Khabib has maintained that he has no plans to return to the Octagon for a comeback fight, speculation about a potential return continues to swirl among fans and pundits. However, as of now, Khabib seems content with his decision to retire and focus on other endeavors outside of MMA.

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Is Khabib Nurmagomedov the greatest fighter ever?

UFC 254 may have been a few days ago, but the MMA world is still reeling from the sudden retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov. How surprising was the moment? Where does the former UFC lightweight champion stand in the history books? Is he the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter ever? And which one performance of Nurmagomedov’s dominant career is the most memorable?

Shaheen Al-Shatti and Ben Fowlkes reflected on all angles of the retirement of a legend.

1. How surprised were you that he retired after defeating Justin Gaethje?

Al-Shatti: Very surprised. Who wasn’t? Even as Nurmagomedov was taking off his gloves right there in the middle of the octagon, my mind still couldn’t process what was happening. The moment was genuinely shocking .

It always felt like there was a ticking clock on Nurmagomedov’s time in the sport, at least more so than most elite fighters. Still, I think a lot of us just assumed he had at least one more left in him. Something about the allure of 30-0 always felt like it mattered to Nurmagomedov. He and his late father, Abdulmanap, spoke often about that being the goal, the endgame. Once Abdulmanap passed, I suppose that’s where I suspected this was headed.

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George St-Pierre was the last challenge left that could’ve propelled Nurmagomedov into pole position of the GOAT conversation, and perhaps that’s why I was so stunned: Because a St-Pierre bout felt like an actual possibility for the first time. There was beginning to be movement on that front. UFC president Dana White had warmed to the idea. St-Pierre was already in. It felt like the logical conclusion to where this was going.

Instead, we’re left to forever wonder what could’ve been.

Fowlkes: I don’t want to be the guy who says he called it, but I did mention in a couple of different pre-fight pieces the possibility that Nurmagomedov would retire if he won. So no, I wasn’t all that surprised to hear the words come out of his mouth. I will be at least somewhat surprised if he sticks to it, though, if only because history tells us how unlikely it is.

Retiring from this sport is pretty easy. People do it all the time. Staying retired is the hard part, especially when you’re still the best in your division and there’s all this money just sitting on the table waiting for you to claim it. That’s where Nurmagomedov is right now. I understand that the loss of his father weighs heavily on him. I totally get why he might feel like he doesn’t want to keep going without his dad in his corner. I also think the temptation to do at least one more in order to get to 30-0, while collecting one more fat paycheck in the process, would be hard for most fighters to turn down.

2. Is he the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter ever? If not, where does he stand?

Fowlkes: My personal stance is that pound-for-pound debates are stupid. I realize it doesn’t get me out of having them. I know they’re not going away any time soon. But the difficulty in even agreeing on a definition of what the term really means — are we imagining all the fighters transformed to an identical size, and if so does that affect their abilities as they get bigger and slower or smaller and fas … nope, see, my brain just short-circuited — makes it hard for me to take it too seriously.

I’ll say this: Nurmagomedov is one of the best and most dominant fighters this sport has ever seen. He came into every single fight with an almost identical game plan and no one could stop him. During his reign as lightweight champ, no one even got close. And he did all this in one of the toughest and most talent-rich divisions in the entire sport.

I don’t particularly care if you call him the absolute greatest or merely one of the greatest. Just as long as you give him his respect for that.

Al-Shatti: I’ve thought about this a lot since Saturday. Here’s where I’ve landed: I don’t think he’s necessarily the greatest fighter of all time, but I do think Nurmagomedov is probably the best fighter of all time, if that makes any sense.

He’s certainly my No. 1 draft pick for any sort of “Space Jam” end-of-the-world scenario. Let’s say aliens invaded Earth and forced us into a life-or-death, one-on-one MMA match for the fate of the planet — which fighter would you entrust to save the human race? Nurmagomedov would be my nominee, the one I’d feel most comfortable with. That has to count for something.

We’re just never going to see what he accomplished again. It still defies belief if you actually sit down and reflect on the totality of his career. There’s no historical comparison. He competed for 12 years in the most stacked division in the sport and didn’t once bleed his own blood. Not once. No cuts above the brow. No silly nicks from an accidental headbutt. Not even a freaking bloody nose. It doesn’t make any sense. How many fights do we see every Saturday where someone is bleeding within the first few minutes? Yet Nurmagomedov dominated at the tippy-top of the sport and quite literally escaped unscathed, not a single scratch on him.

“The Eagle” pitching a perfect game every time out was the closest thing to a guarantee we had. I’m no soothsayer, but I can confidently say we’ll never see anybody do that again.

Really, the only factor holding Nurmagomedov back in the GOAT conversation is his longevity,” or lack thereof. As much as Jon Jones’ 74-tweet tirade reeked of insecurity, “Bones” is correct on that front. Jones and St-Pierre maintained their greatness for years upon years, eras upon eras. By removing himself from the equation smack in the middle of his prime, Nurmagomedov won’t be able to say the same thing. That means something in GOAT conversations.

Either way, though, Nurmagomedov’s legacy will be singular, peerless, and wholly unique.

3. What one performance of his career will you most remember?

Al-Shatti: Maybe this is a lame choice, but the one fight that’s always stuck out most to me was the thrashing Nurmagomedov gave Michael Johnson. That was something else. In retrospect, I think it was the first time it really dawned on me how profound the skill gap was between Nurmagomedov and the rest of these guys.

Slowly beating the will out of Johnson, forcing him to quit, all while calmly explaining how both men knew that Nurmagomedov deserved a title shot — “I need to fight for the title. You know this. I deserve this.” — was genuinely dumbfounding. Like, who knew that was even possible at the highest levels of MMA? It’s something you’d see on the regional scene, not in a marquee UFC bout.

I know certain cynics look back on the moment now and dismiss it because, sure, it’s Michael Johnson. But Johnson was a legit top-10 lightweight at the time. He’d just knocked out Dustin Poirier in 95 seconds two months earlier. That was a top contention fight for both men, and Nurmagomedov made his point clear — that he was so far above Johnson, it was almost scary.

Instances like that are what built the early legend of “The Eagle.” And now I’m sad all over again thinking about the remarkable talent the sport just lost.

Fowlkes: I’m tempted to say it’s this last one against Gaethje, if only because he made such fools out of all of us who thought that maybe, just maybe, Gaethje had a set of skills that would prove tougher for him to overcome. They weren’t, and they didn’t. Nurmagomedov overwhelmed Gaethje even easier than he had his last few opponents, even finishing with a slick triangle choke setup from mount to remove all doubt.

But that might be recency bias, to be honest. Maybe his most impressive performance came against Conor McGregor. It was a huge fight against a hated enemy who did everything possible to push Nurmagomedov’s buttons. We’ve seen even good fighters struggle in that big-fight spotlight when they’re not used to it, especially when the other guy is bashing your country and family and religion.

But despite how McGregor has tried to revise that fight in the aftermath, Nurmagomedov went in there and beat him up like it was an inevitable punishment. He dropped McGregor, took him down and elbowed him in the face until McGregor tried to reassure him that it was just business, then cranked on his head like he was trying to pop it off his shoulders. After the fight? Then he got a little carried away. But even that was … memorable.

(Top photo: by Josh Hedges / Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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• EVENTS & FIGHTS
• STAT LEADERS

Khabib Nurmagomedov Record: 29-0-0

• Height: 5' 10"
• Weight: 155 lbs.
• STANCE: Orthodox
• DOB: Sep 20, 1988
• Str. Acc.: 48%
• Str. Def: 65%
• TD Avg.: 5.32
• TD Acc.: 48%
• TD Def.: 84%
• Sub. Avg.: 0.8

SLpM - Significant Strikes Landed per Minute

Str. Acc. - Significant Striking Accuracy

SApM - Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute

Str. Def. - Significant Strike Defence (the % of opponents strikes that did not land)

TD Avg. - Average Takedowns Landed per 15 minutes

TD Acc. - Takedown Accuracy

TD Def. - Takedown Defense (the % of opponents TD attempts that did not land)

Sub. Avg. - Average Submissions Attempted per 15 minutes

Khabib Nurmagomedov

• Lightweight
• HT/WT 1.78 m, 70 kg
• Birthdate 20/9/1988 (35)
• Team AKA (American Kickboxing Academy)
• Nickname The Eagle
• Stance Orthodox

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Khabib Nurmagomedov Officially Retires

On March 18, 2021 UFC President Dana White confirmed on his Instagram that UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is officially retired. 

UFC athletes and media praised the legendary champion for an incredible career. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dana White (@danawhite)

Nurmagomedov retires as the UFC lightweight champion with an undefeated record of 29-0. His last title defense took place against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, submitting the interim champion in the 2nd round. 

Prior to his last fight, he went through a who's-who of talented fighters, including Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Rafael Dos Anjos and more. 

Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira will fight for the vacated lightweight championship at UFC 262 on May 15

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ufc (@ufc)

Follow UFC.COM for more news about Khabib Nurmagomedov and all your favorite UFC fighters. 

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Khabib Nurmagomedov

• Born September 20 , 1988 · Sildi, Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
• Height 5′ 10″ (1.78 m)
• Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov born 20 September 1988 is a Russian former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, having held the title from April 2018 to March 2021. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. With 29 wins and no losses, he retired with an undefeated record. A two-time Combat Sambo World Champion, Nurmagomedov has a background in the disciplines of Sambo, Judo and Wrestling. Nurmagomedov was ranked #1 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings at the time of his retirement, until being removed following his title vacation in March 2021. Fight Matrix ranks him as the #1 lightweight of all time. Hailing from the Republic of Dagestan in Russia, Nurmagomedov is the first Muslim to win a UFC title. He is the most-followed Russian on Instagram, with more than 33 million followers as of February 2022. He is also a mixed martial arts (MMA) promoter, known for promoting the Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC). Since retirement, he has transitioned to a mixed martial arts coach and corner-man. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Bonitao
• Parents Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
• Relatives Abubakar Nurmagomedov (Cousin) Umar Nurmagomedov (Cousin) Usman Nurmagomedov (Cousin)
• Is an undefeated Russian mixed martial artist of Avar ethnicity. He is a two time Combat Sambo World Champion, a freestyle wrestler and a Judo black belt who is reigning undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion. He holds one of the longest undefeated streaks in MMA with 27 wins.
• Most submissions wins in Lightweight division title fights UFC history (3).
• MMA Cartel: 29 Fights. 29 Wins, 0 Loses, 0 Draws.
• Tied second-most submissions win in title fights UFC history (3).
• International Master of Sport in Judo.
• [After his victory over Justin Gaethje]I know only one thing I want from UFC, you guys have to put me on No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, because I deserve this. UFC undisputed, undefeated lightweight champion, 13-0, 13 in UFC, 29 in all pro MMA career.
• Because of the broken toe, we were again out. This was a very hard camp. Coach, my toe may be broken but my mind is not.
• [After his victory over Justin Gaethje]Today, I want to say this was my last fight. No way am I going to come here without my father. It was first time after what happened with my father when UFC called me about Justin. I talked with my mother for three days. She didn't want me to go fight without my father. I promised her, 'It's going to be my last fight,' and if I give my word, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov: Islam Makhachev ‘grew a lot’ in UFC 302 win over Dustin Poirier

Islam Makhachev had a harder time than many expected on Saturday, but Khabib Nurmagomedov believes he will be all the better for it.

At UFC 302 , Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title, submitting Dustin Poirier in the fifth round with a D’Arce choke. But though the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world got the finish, it didn’t come easy. Poirier showed good takedown defense and striking throughout, even badly cutting the champion with an elbow at one point. In the end, Makhachev was able to dig deep and gut out the win in championship fashion, and after the fight, Nurmagomedov ensured it will all be good experience for Makhachev.

“Today, Islam grew a lot,” Khabib said to UFC media. “When you go deep like today, it shows people and you understand your body and your things inside. How deep you can go, even more. There is more place.

“Sometimes — not sometimes, all the time people underestimate theirselves. Our body, our soul, we can go deeper than five rounds, 10 rounds. Doesn’t matter. You just have to find this. You have to be relaxed and find this way. The way how you have to go, how you can go deep. It was a very good fight.”

Nurmagomedov wasn’t just proud of Makhachev though. The lightweight GOAT also caught up with Poirier backstage as well. Nurmagomedov has his own history with Poirier, having defended his lightweight title against “The Diamond” back at UFC 242 , and Nurmagomedov just wanted to check in and make sure Poirier was OK and give his respect for the fight.

“I just want to be sure,” Nurmagomedov asks Poirier as he tells him about the moment he injured his knee during the fight. “All the best for you.”

With his win over Poirier, Makhachev now sits in a tie with Nurmagomedov, B.J. Penn , Benson Henderson , and Frankie Edgar for most lightweight title defenses all-time. Afterward, he called for a chance to move up to welterweight and become a two-division champion, though UFC CEO Dana White was noncommittal on whether that will happen next.

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'today islam grew a lot': khabib nurmagomedov praises makhachev's performance at ufc 302, share this article.

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will walk away from UFC 302 as a much better fighter.

The UFC Hall of Famer was in Makhachev’s corner at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., helping guide his lifelong friend, training partner, and pupil to a successful title-defending submission victory over Dustin Poirier in the UFC 302 main event.

Although this fight did not go the distance like Makhahcev’s first title defense over Alexander Volkanovski, Poirier pushed Makhachev hard, and became the first to open cuts on the champ. Nurmagomedov noticed how hard Makhachev had to fight for the victory, and was pleased at how he persevered.

“To be honest, today Islam grew a lot,” Nurmagomedov said in a video on UFC’s social media . “You don’t even understand. When you go deep like today, it shows people you understand your body, and your things inside, and how deep you can go even more.

“All the time people underestimate themself – our body, our soul. We can go more deeper than five rounds, 10 rounds – it doesn’t matter.You just have to find this. You just have to be relaxed and find this way you have to go. How you can go deep. It was a very deep fight.”

UFC 302 bonuses: Islam Makhachev double-dips for $100,000 in thriller vs. Dustin Poirier

'one of the best fights i've seen': social media reacts to islam makhachev's submission of dustin poirier at ufc 302, ufc lightweight title history: jens pulver, islam makhachev, khabib, conor and more.

"Today Islam grew a lot." @TeamKhabib giving his thoughts on @MAKHACHEVMMA 's performance🦅 #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/JDoRFeMrji — UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024

Nurmagomedov returned to Makhachev’s corner for the first time since he won the lightweight title by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. After taking time away from the sport to be with his family, Nurmagomedov returned after missing two fights to reunite with Makhachev.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302 .

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov

• Lightweight
• HT/WT 5' 10", 155 lbs
• Birthdate 9/20/1988 (35)
• Team AKA (American Kickboxing Academy)
• Nickname The Eagle
• Stance Orthodox

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Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov's Hilarious Reaction to UFC 302 Main Event Scorecard

Drew beaupre | 15 hours ago.

The judges may not have been needed for the UFC 302 main event, but Khabib Nurmagomedov wasn’t pleased with how one of them had the fight scored heading into the final round.

UFC 302 Aftermath: Jailton Almeida Eyes Heavyweight Title Eliminator in Paris

Last Saturday’s UFC card took place in Newark, NJ and was headlined by a lightweight title bout reigning champion Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, who was attempting to claim undisputed UFC gold for the third time after he previously came up short against Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.

“The Diamond” gave Makhachev all he could handle before he was submitted in the final round, and although two judges had the champion comfortably winning after four rounds Chris Lee’s scorecard had things all tied up heading into the final frame.

UFC News: Islam Makhachev Confirms Medical Rumors for UFC 302 Title Fight

Nurmagomedov was as thrilled as anyone in the Prudential Center to see his friend and teammate successfully defend his title for a third time, but the former UFC lightweight champion was shocked when Daniel Cormier informed him of the dissenting scorecard after the action concluded (clip courtesy of @RedCorner_MMA ) .

'Send me this guy's name and location' 😄 Khabib wasn't too happy with some of the judge's scorecards. Do you agree with the Eagle and DC? pic.twitter.com/ylzRDe6wFo — Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 2, 2024

"2-2? How? One judge gave lot of fights crazy numbers...Like 50-45. Send me this guy’s name and location." -  Nurmagomedov to Daniel Cormier

“The Eagle” noted that several fights at UFC 302 featured some surprising scoring, and the 50-45 scorecard he referenced from the five-round co-main event between Paulo Costa and Sean Strickland was also courtesy of Lee.

The judges had a busy night during a UFC 302 card that only featured three finishes, but after Makhachev’s victory in the main event most of the conversation among fans has been centered on whether or not the 32-year-old should challenge for the welterweight title in his next fight.

Ex-Champ Israel Adesanya Shares New Training Photos Ahead of Rumored UFC Return

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DREW BEAUPRE

Drew is an MMA writer that regularly watches regional events in addition to major promotions such as the UFC, PFL, Bellator, and ONE Championship. He joined MMA Knockout when it was founded in 2023.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov rages over ‘crazy’ judging for Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier at UFC 302

Khabib Nurmagomedov was enraged to learn that one judge had scored last Saturday’s lightweight title fight a draw heading into the final round.

The legendary former champion was in the corner for Islam Makhachev as he made a record-equalling third world title defence against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 over the weekend. After a dominant four rounds, the Russian submitted his rival to cement his name in the history books.

But there was controversy throughout the night with judging decisions, and Makhachev was almost caught out in the main event. He seemingly controlled all but one of the rounds, but one judge had the bout all even heading into the fifth.

• NOTORIOUS: Conor McGregor breaks his silence after Islam Makhachev beats Dustin Poirier

Khabib Nurmagomedov rages over controversial UFC 302 judging

In a video posted by Red Corner MMA , Khabib Nurmagomedov can be seen running into his old friend and fellow former champion Daniel Cormier backstage. The pair share a laugh, before noting that there was a potentially shocking judging decision incoming.

Cormier noted that Poirier had come ready for takedown defence, to which Nurmagomedov replied: “Yeah, he is much better.” But when the American notified him of how one judge had scored it 2-2, it led to a baffled reaction.

Khabib and Daniel Cormier talk about the judging for the Islam and Poirier fight 😂 “One judge gave a lot of fights crazy numbers… Send me this guys name and location” 😭 🎥 @RedCorner_MMA #UFC302 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/MG7BUCxskZ — Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 2, 2024

“What? 2-2? How?” Nurmagomedov asked, before noting that there had been a number of wild scorecards during the night.

“One judge, they gave a lot of fight crazy numbers,” he added. “Like 50-45 [in the co-main event between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa]. Send me this guy’s name and location.”

UFC 302 scorecards left fighters ‘scared’ as bizarre judging almost causes chaos

The night was full of judging controversy, starting in the first fight of the night between flyweights Andre Lima and Mitch Raposo. The Brazilian dominated proceedings, but only won by split decision after one judge scored two rounds against him.

Later in the evening, Sean Strickland comfortably defeated Paulo Costa in a boring five round decision. But when they got to the scorecards, one judge had it in his opponent’s favour, meaning that he only narrowly took the victory.

Speaking with media after his win, Lima said: “I knew I had won all three rounds. So when  Bruce Buffer  started saying the name of the judges I was scared. I thought ‘no way they are going to give it to this son of a b**** but it was pretty clear for me and I think for everybody else.

“When they announced the second scorecard I looked to my manager and he was like ‘don’t worry about it’. Then they announced my win so I was able to relax a little bit more.”

Strickland was similarly concerned, saying after his win: “You know, man, the judges are crazy guys. I don’t think they watch fights. I don’t think they know fighting. So, you never know. If you leave it in the hands of the judges, it’s, you know, only the gods know.”

Dana White tears into UFC 302 judges after Paulo Costa vs Sean Strickland scorecard

Promotional boss Dana White was another outspoken critic of the judging on Saturday night, particularly as it related to Costa and Strickland. He was enraged by the split decision, and declared that the judge who gave it to the Brazilian should never work a UFC show again.

Dana White on the judge who scored it for Paulo Costa: That guy shouldn't be judging big fights. #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/dirZhKmqJ2 — Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 2, 2024

“It was f***ing nuts is what it was,” White said of the scorecard during his post-fight press conference. “It was insane. That guy should never (judge) a big fight again, they should kick him back down to the minor leagues and let him work on his judging,” Dana White said at the post-fight press conference.

“It’s unbelievable, how anybody who isn’t an absolute f***ing lunatic could call that fight a split decision, I don’t even know what to say about it, it’s insane, that guy shouldn’t be judging big fights.”

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