Introduction :
Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov, born on September 20, 1988, is a retired Russian mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight division. He held the UFC Lightweight Championship from April 2018 to March 2021, making him the longest-reigning champion in that category. With an impressive record of 29 wins and no losses, Nurmagomedov retired with an undefeated status, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history. On June 30, 2022, he was honored with induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Having achieved a two-time world champion status in combat sambo, Nurmagomedov boasts a diverse background in wrestling, judo, and sambo. At the time of his retirement, he was ranked as the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC men’s rankings, though this designation was removed following his title vacation in March 2021. Fight Matrix recognizes him as the #1 lightweight of all time.
Beyond his accomplishments in the octagon, Nurmagomedov was acknowledged by Forbes in 2019 as the most successful Russian athlete and topped the list of the 40 most successful Russian show business and sports personalities under 40.
Not only a skilled fighter, but Nurmagomedov is also recognized for his contributions as a mixed martial arts trainer and promoter. He founded Eagles MMA and played a pivotal role in establishing the Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC). Following his retirement from professional competition in January 2023, he transitioned to a full-time coaching and cornerman role, further cementing his influence in the world of mixed martial arts.
Early Life :
Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born into an Avar family on September 20, 1988, in the village of Sildi, located in the Tsumadinsky District of the Dagestan ASSR, an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union’s Russian SFSR. Raised alongside his older brother Magomed and younger sister Amina, Khabib’s family had initially moved to Kirovaul, where his father transformed the ground floor of their two-story building into a gym. Growing up with siblings and cousins, Khabib’s fascination with martial arts was sparked by observing gym training sessions. His childhood training even involved wrestling with a bear at the age of nine.
Like many children in Dagestan, Khabib commenced wrestling at an early age, starting at eight under the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. A decorated athlete and former Soviet Army veteran, Abdulmanap’s wrestling background expanded to include judo and sambo, imparting his knowledge to Dagestan’s youth to counteract the prevalent Islamic extremism in the region.
In 2001, the family relocated to Makhachkala, Dagestan’s capital, where Khabib intensified his wrestling training from the age of 12 and added judo at 15. At 17, he resumed combat sambo training under his father’s mentorship. Despite the challenging transition from wrestling to judo, Abdulmanap aimed to familiarize Khabib with competing in a gi jacket. As a senior coach for the combat sambo national team in Dagestan, Abdulmanap trained numerous athletes in Makhachkala.
Mixed Martial Arts Career :
Early in his mixed martial arts journey, Khabib Nurmagomedov entered the professional scene in September 2008, swiftly amassing four victories within a month. On October 11, he clinched the inaugural Atrium Cup tournament championship in Moscow by overcoming all three opponents. Over the subsequent three years, he maintained an undefeated record, finishing 11 out of 12 opponents. Noteworthy among these victories was his M-1 Global debut, where he secured a first-round armbar finish against Shahbulat Shamhalaev.
In 2011, Nurmagomedov participated in seven fights under the ProFC promotion, triumphing in each one either by TKO or submission. His impressive 16–0 record in the regional circuits of Russia and Ukraine attracted the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). However, a contract dispute with ProFC led to a series of legal battles, with 11 court cases challenging the legitimacy of Nurmagomedov’s UFC contract. After enduring six losses and securing five victories in court, an agreement was finally reached, allowing Khabib to continue his career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) :
Entering the UFC scene in late 2011, Nurmagomedov inked a six-fight deal within the lightweight division. His inaugural UFC appearance on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX 1 culminated in a third-round submission victory over Kamal Shalorus. Following this, he notched wins with a unanimous decision against Gleison Tibau at UFC 148 and a first-round knockout of Thiago Tavares at UFC on FX 7 in January 2013.
Despite a setback during the UFC 160 weigh-ins, where he exceeded the allowed limit, Nurmagomedov showcased exceptional resilience in his bout against Abel Trujillo, even setting a new UFC record for the most takedowns in a single fight.
Continuing his rise, Nurmagomedov secured a unanimous decision triumph over Pat Healy at UFC 165 in September 2013, earning praise from UFC president Dana White for his outstanding performance. Subsequent matchups included a unanimous decision victory against former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 11 in April 2014.
Despite encountering setbacks due to injuries and fight cancellations, Nurmagomedov consistently demonstrated resilience and dominance in his bouts, including a submission win over Michael Johnson at UFC 205 in November 2016. Despite challenges in securing a title shot, his exceptional skills and performances garnered him recognition, along with bonuses such as his first Performance of the Night bonus following his victory over Edson Barboza at UFC 219 in December 2017.
UFC Lightweight Champion :
Nurmagomedov vs. Iaquinta :
A match between Ferguson and his opponent had been planned for the fourth time, set for April 7, 2018, at UFC 223. However, Ferguson sustained a knee injury, and Max Holloway was set to replace him. Yet, Holloway was deemed unfit to fight by the New York State Athletic Commission due to severe weight cutting on April 6. Consequently, Al Iaquinta stepped in as a replacement. However, his inclusion sparked controversy as the initially preferred replacements, Anthony Pettis and Paul Felder, faced issues with weight and eligibility, respectively. Only Nurmagomedov remained eligible for the championship, as Iaquinta also missed the championship weight limit. Nurmagomedov dominated the fight, securing a unanimous victory with scores of 50–44, 50–43, and 50–43, thus becoming the UFC Lightweight Champion.
Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor :
On August 3, 2018, the UFC made an announcement regarding Nurmagomedov’s defense of his lightweight title against Conor McGregor at UFC 229, scheduled for October 6 in Las Vegas. During the fight, Nurmagomedov dominated the first two rounds but faced a setback in the third round against McGregor, marking the first instance of him losing a round in his UFC career. However, he ultimately emerged victorious by submitting McGregor in the fourth round. Following the match, Nurmagomedov attempted to confront McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis, sparking a brawl between the two teams. With this win, Nurmagomedov extended his undefeated record to 27–0, setting a new milestone for the longest win streak in UFC history. The event garnered a record-breaking 2.4 million pay-per-view purchases, making it the most watched MMA event to date.
Incident at UFC 229 :
In the aftermath of UFC 229 on October 6, 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s post-victory actions against Conor McGregor escalated into a chaotic scene. Responding to insults from McGregor’s cornerman, Dillon Danis, Nurmagomedov leaped over the octagon fence and charged at Danis. Concurrently, McGregor and Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Abubakar, engaged in a scuffle after McGregor threw a punch at Abubakar, prompting retaliation. Inside the octagon, Nurmagomedov’s cornermen, Zubaira Tukhugov and Esed Emiragaev, attacked McGregor from behind. Tukhugov, originally scheduled to fight Artem Lobov later that month, was subsequently removed from the card.
As a repercussion of his actions, Nurmagomedov’s fight payment was withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), pending an investigation. In a post-fight interview, he expressed remorse to the NSAC, attributing his behavior to McGregor’s trash talk and the UFC 223 bus incident. He underscored the sensitivity of topics such as religion and nationality. Nurmagomedov, who had warned McGregor earlier on Instagram, took accountability for the events on October 6. Despite the tensions, Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap, harbored no animosity towards McGregor and extended an invitation for him to train in Russia.
The NSAC filed a complaint against both Nurmagomedov and McGregor, leading to a motion on October 24 that approved the release of half of Nurmagomedov’s $2 million payout. Indefinite bans were imposed on both fighters until an official hearing determined the disciplinary outcome of the post-fight brawl. On January 29, 2019, the NSAC announced a nine-month suspension and a $500,000 fine for Nurmagomedov (retroactive to October 6, 2018), allowing him to compete again on July 6, 2019. McGregor received a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine, while Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov each faced 12-month suspensions and $25,000 fines. Expressing dissatisfaction with the NSAC’s decisions, Khabib Nurmagomedov declared his reluctance to compete in Nevada.
Nurmagomedov vs. Poirier :
In June 2019, Nurmagomedov entered into a new contract with the UFC, committing to multiple fights. His inaugural bout under this agreement took place on September 7, 2019, in the headline event at UFC 242 against interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier. Nurmagomedov secured victory through a rear naked choke submission in the third round, unifying both titles and earning his second Performance of the Night bonus. Following the match, Nurmagomedov and Poirier exchanged shirts in a display of mutual respect. In a post-fight interview, Nurmagomedov revealed his intention to auction off Poirier’s shirt and donate the proceeds to Poirier’s charity. The auction successfully raised $100,000, and UFC president Dana White matched the donation.
Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje :
Nurmagomedov’s title defense against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 on April 18, 2020, marked the fifth attempt to stage a fight between the two, both boasting impressive 12-fight win streaks in the UFC. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing restricted air travel, Nurmagomedov couldn’t leave Russia and was subsequently removed from the card. In his absence, Ferguson faced Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship on May 9, with Gaethje securing a fifth-round TKO, ending Ferguson’s streak and earning a title shot against Nurmagomedov.
The unification bout between Nurmagomedov and Gaethje took place on October 24, 2020, as the main event at UFC 254. Nurmagomedov emerged victorious, utilizing a technical submission with a triangle choke in the second round to defend and re-unify the UFC Lightweight Championship. Following the fight, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, citing a promise to his mother that he wouldn’t continue without his late father. He explained, “No way I’m going to come here without my father. It was the first time after what happened with my father when UFC called me about Justin. I talked with my mother for three days. She doesn’t want me to go fight without my father, but I promised her it was going to be my last fight. If I give my word, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here.” This victory earned him the Performance of the Night award, and Daniel Cormier mentioned in an episode of DC & Helwani that Nurmagomedov opted for a triangle choke over an arm bar to prevent Gaethje from sustaining injuries.
Playing Style :
Nurmagomedov employed a wrestling-centric approach marked by persistent pressure on his adversaries, often characterized as a dominating “mauling” style. Utilizing a combination of wrestling, judo, and sambo takedowns, he strategically pinned opponents against the cage, securing their legs and an arm to limit their escape. In this controlling position, he fatigued opponents by leveraging his weight against them and executed precise strikes that proved challenging for his rivals to counter. This distinctive technique was just one of several signature styles he utilized to set the stage for his finishing moves. Over his career, nineteen out of twenty-nine victories were secured through TKO/KO or submission.
Randy Couture, a former three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, lauded Nurmagomedov as “brilliant.” Joe Rogan, a seasoned MMA commentator with black belts in both 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, acknowledged Nurmagomedov as the “most terrifying lightweight contender in the world” and emphasized his unparalleled grappling skills, noting that the odds of defeating him significantly diminished after the initial minute-and-a-half. Herb Dean, a UFC referee, highlighted Nurmagomedov’s unique trait of engaging in constant verbal communication with opponents during fights.
Personal life :
As a representative of his Dagestani Avar heritage, Nurmagomedov frequently adorned a papakha hat after his fights and during promotional events. As of 2019, he is a third-year student at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. Beyond his achievements in the UFC, Nurmagomedov is a devoted football enthusiast, supporting clubs such as Anzhi Makhachkala, Galatasaray, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and the Russian national team.
In August 2021, rumors circulated that Nurmagomedov had inked a professional football contract with Legion Dynamo, a third-tier Russian team. However, he later clarified that he had not signed a professional contract but remained a passionate fan with close ties to the club.
With over 34 million followers on Instagram as of December 2022, Nurmagomedov holds the title of the most-followed Russian on the platform. Hailing from the Republic of Dagestan, he made history as the first Muslim to secure a UFC title, adhering to the Sunni Muslim faith. Recognized as the second-most-popular Muslim athlete globally, after Mohamed Salah, Nurmagomedov has utilized his influential status to advocate for conservative values.
Throughout his career, Nurmagomedov has been vocal about his conservative views, expressing disapproval of nightclubs in Dagestan, criticizing a rap concert, and condemning a play featuring explicit content in his home region. His strong stance on such matters has generated both support and controversy.
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Nurmagomedov has undergone training at various clubs, including SC Bazarganova in Kizilyurt, K-Dojo, AMA Fight Club in New Jersey, Mamishev Fight Team in Saint Petersburg, Fight Spirit Team in Kolpino, and KHK MMA Team in Bahrain. He co-founded Eagles MMA in 2016 with support from Dagestani billionaire Ziyavudin Magomedov, later appealing for Magomedov’s release after his arrest on embezzlement charges in 2018.
Despite his association with controversial figures like Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic, who funds Fight Club Akhmat, Nurmagomedov has navigated a complex web of affiliations. In December 2021, his manager publicly proposed a grappling match against former UFC rival Tony Ferguson, adding another chapter to Nurmagomedov’s multifaceted career.
Conclusion :
In conclusion, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s journey transcends the confines of the octagon, showcasing a multifaceted individual deeply rooted in his Dagestani Avar culture and Islamic faith. His accomplishments as the first Muslim to claim a UFC title are complemented by his unwavering commitment to conservative values, both within and beyond the realm of sports. Nurmagomedov’s influence extends to social and cultural spheres, as evidenced by his outspoken views on various issues, from nightlife in Dagestan to artistic expressions that clash with his beliefs.
The intricacies of Nurmagomedov’s career unfold not only through his dominance in mixed martial arts but also in the diverse training grounds he has traversed and the relationships he has forged. From advocating for a fellow co-founder’s release from legal troubles to engaging with controversial figures, he navigates a complex landscape while staying true to his convictions.
As the most-followed Russian on Instagram, Nurmagomedov’s impact reaches far beyond the boundaries of sports, making him a cultural icon. Whether it be his fervent support for football clubs or his engagement with societal issues, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide. In offering Tony Ferguson a grappling match, Nurmagomedov adds yet another chapter to his post-UFC career, demonstrating a continued passion for competition.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy is one of athletic excellence, cultural pride, and a commitment to values that define him both as a fighter and as a person. His influence on the sporting world and beyond is a testament to the depth of his character and the enduring impact he leaves on those who follow his remarkable journey.
Greatest of all time.