A silent assassin who has the innate ability to finish fights is probably the best description for Nurmagomedov. However, there are a lot of questions surrounding the MMA world right now over who the real Khabib is. What makes him cold-hearted and ruthless? Who trained him? Where did he come from? These are the same questions that mystify his opponents leading them to be pummeled by 'The Eagle'.
The Russian experience
It is no secret that the Russians have the reputation as the toughest race in the world. In almost every action movie the Russians are portrayed as merciless and rugged.
There are a variety of reasons why. Khabib Nurmagomedov is a proud Russian mixed martial artist with Dagestan descent. His upbringing is far different from most of the fighters except for fellow Russian and widely considered “Greatest of All Time”, Fedor Emelianenko. While most of the fighters trained at the gym, The Great Caucasus Mountain Ranges were his very first training ground.
His skills were honed under the watchful eyes of his disciplinarian father, however, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov can be compared to legendary coaches like Cus D’amato and Freddie Roach but he is one of a kind. His credential includes national champion in three separate disciplines; judo, sambo and freestyle wrestling.
He also volunteered to be part of the Russian army, which was uncanny for most people. Khabib has been open about his relationship with his father and has mentioned it numerous times that his dad would smack him if he breaks their code of honour.
Khabib’s work ethic is second to none; his training regiment is often compared to the army, however, more savage as described by some of his teammates.
While the Western culture is lucky enough to have a lighter form of discipline, it is the polar opposite for the Dagestanian. There were only two options growing up, a career in sports or join the militant Islam. Conor learnt the hard way after the fight that Khabib is not someone to piss off.
Khabib vs Ferguson
In other news, Khabib Nurmagomedov just turned down UFC with regards to the rematch against Conor Mcgregor.
Nurmagomedov was offered US$15 million to fight McGregor again, but he isn’t interested. Although some of the fans want a rematch between the two fighters, the majority of them want McGregor to step back. If UCF is true to their words, they should give the spot to Tony Ferguson, who won his match against Anthony Pettis for the #1 contenders match.
