WATCH: Khabib Nurmagomedov Taunts Soccer Legend Andres Iniesta

UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov trolls Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta with 'Hala Madrid' chants.

WATCH: Khabib Nurmagomedov Taunts Soccer Legend Andres Iniesta

Khabib Nurmagomedov taunts Andres Iniesta (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Khabib Nurmagomedov undoubtedly reached the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, retiring as an undefeated UFC lightweight champion with a perfect 29 -0 record. After stepping away from competition, he transitioned to coaching full-time. Alongside MMA, Nurmagomedov has consistently expressed his love for football and was recently seen playing paddle with Barcelona and Spain legend Andrés Iniesta.

Football has long been a significant part of Nurmagomedov’s athletic interests, with the former champion frequently playing the sport during training camps and off-seasons. He is a well-documented supporter of Spanish giants Real Madrid and has publicly shown loyalty to the club over many years. His admiration has included wearing Real Madrid jerseys on multiple occasions, reinforcing his connection to the club.

The rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, known as El Clásico, is one of football’s most culturally significant matchups, spanning generations. That rivalry resurfaced during the ‘Eagles’ padel session with Iniesta, a lifelong Barcelona icon. When Iniesta scored a point, Nurmagomedov, seated outside, reacted by shouting Real Madrid’s famous rallying cry toward the Spanish veteran.

Hala Madrid, Hala Madrid.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via X

Iniesta is regarded as one of Spain’s most accomplished footballers, having spent the majority of his career representing FC Barcelona at the highest level. He was a key figure in one of the most dominant eras in modern football history. During his time at the club, he won four UEFA Champions League titles and nine La Liga championships. He officially retired from professional football at the age of 40 in October 2024.

Nurmagomedov’s involvement in football extended beyond fandom when he signed a professional contract with Russian side FC Legion Dynamo in 2021. The move highlighted his commitment to exploring the sport competitively after retiring from MMA. He has also collaborated with former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf to open a hybrid MMA and football performance training facility.

More recently, Nurmagomedov was also seen arm wrestling former Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimović, further emphasizing his close ties with elite figures from the football world. These interactions underscore how his influence continues to span multiple sports despite his retirement from fighting. Through every public appearance, Khabib Nurmagomedov has consistently remained loyal to Real Madrid.

Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about what makes a real champion

Khabib Nurmagomedov has frequently spoken about the difference between competitive success and long-term legacy in professional sports. As an undefeated former UFC lightweight champion, his career was defined not only by titles but by dominance, discipline, and consistency. Since retiring, he has taken a broader view of athletic greatness beyond statistics and records.

Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov (via MMA Fighting)

Nurmagomedov has highlighted how some athletes accumulate championships without leaving a lasting cultural or historical impact. In contrast, figures such as Muhammad Ali are widely regarded as transcending their sport through influence, character, and global recognition. Ali’s legacy extended beyond boxing due to his social stance, personality, and enduring relevance.

If you inspire the people, we know so many champions who were good inside the Octagon and ring. For example we know so many football players and they are nobody when people see them even talk with them they are zero inside. We know other champions and they inspire people and they were fighting for legacy, For example we know Muhammad Ali, he was the greatest athlete to walk this earth in a 100 years.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Muslimi

Ali has long been a source of inspiration for Nurmagomedov, both for his achievements inside the ring and his influence beyond sport. Ali’s ability to combine excellence with conviction shaped how he is remembered across generations. That example aligns closely with Nurmagomedov’s own values of purpose, discipline, and responsibility. It reinforces his belief that lasting legacy outweighs titles alone.

Also Read: