Khabib Nurmagomedov and Team were Banned From Taking Thailand Trips Due to Distractions 

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov won't allow his team members to train in Thailand due to his late father's rules to maintain discipline.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Team were Banned From Taking Thailand Trips Due to Distractions 

Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team (via X)

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Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was the main man behind the success of Dagestani fighters after training Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. He trained them when they were kids, along with many others, building the foundation of their discipline and strong competitive mindset. After he died in 2020, Khabib took his father’s role and continued maintaining the same values Abdulmanap originally started.

After early training years in Dagestan, Khabib Nurmagomedov joined the AKA gym in San Jose when he made his UFC debut. He often credited Javier Mendez for improving his striking while learning alongside experienced teammates such as former champion Daniel Cormier. In a recent interview, AKA Thailand owner Mike Swick explained why Team Khabib never trained at the Thailand gym. 

Khabib’s father always had an issue with coming to Thailand because of the distractions, so I don’t think Khabib’s ever going to come, and probably Islam and the close guys with Khabib.

Mike Swick via Red Corner MMA.

Thailand is considered one of the most important training destinations in MMA because of its deep Muay Thai culture. Fighters from around the world travel to Thailand every year to sharpen striking skills, conditioning, and mental toughness in elite gyms. The country’s tradition, coaching methods, and competitive environment make it a respected hub for professional MMA training.

However, the place is also known for nightlife, partying, and bars, which can easily distract fighters from strict professional training. Khabib Nurmagomedov prefers keeping his team away from such influences to protect their discipline, focus, and strong personal values. Team Khabib mostly trains in Dagestan at their state-of-the-art gym created by Khabib Nurmagomedov for his fighters.

They also have a strong training base in Abu Dhabi at Khabib’s gym, which supports their international preparation camps. Whenever they are in America, the team continues training at the AKA gym in San Jose with familiar coaches. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about his strict standards in coaching 

Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped away from fighting in 2020 with an impressive 29–0 record and completely shifted his focus toward coaching. He successfully guided Islam Makhachev to become the UFC lightweight champion and later helped him achieve welterweight championship success as well.

Khabib Nurmagomedov coaching
Khabib Nurmagomedov coaching (via X)

On the other hand, he also helped Umar Nurmagomedov and Usman Nurmagomedov grow into respected and successful professional MMA fighters. Umar is one of the top fighters in the UFC bantamweight division, and Usman is the current PFL lightweight champion.

Team Khabib has often talked about dominating the UFC by creating champions in all the divisions. ‘The Eagle’ has always credited Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov for showing him the correct path in life. In a recent interview, the legendary fighter talked about his strict rules in the gym and having no place for complaints.

When we come to the gym, when we begin our training all of them know about this there is no freedom of speech. Everybody do what I say if I’m coach. In or out, there is no 50-50, and I try to push them very well, and if you look at the result we have in almost every organization, we have champions, and we have some of the best fighters right now.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via World Sports Summit

Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely known for hardcore training methods that push fighters beyond comfort, demanding discipline, endurance, and mental strength. Islam Makhachev has often complained jokingly about how exhausting and difficult it feels to train daily under Nurmagomedov.

Other fighters, including Belal Muhammad, have shared similar experiences about the intense pace and pressure during Nurmagomedov’s demanding training sessions. Despite complaints, most fighters admit the tough environment helps them improve and prepare better for competition. 

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