Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Lack of Desire for ‘Side Quests’ Made Him ‘Master of Sport’

UFC veteran Luke Rockhold talks about what separated Khabib Nurmagomedov from other UFC champions and legends.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Lack of Desire for ‘Side Quests’ Made Him ‘Master of Sport’

Khabib Nurmagomedov's career gets praise from Luke Rockhold (via Business Insider)

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Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career is widely viewed as a blueprint for sustained success in modern mixed martial arts. His Dagestani background and sambo-based wrestling reshaped how dominance is achieved at the elite level. Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold recently explained how Nurmagomedov’s discipline and structure set him apart from his peers.

Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut in 2012 and quickly established himself as a top lightweight contender. He captured the UFC lightweight championship in 2018 by defeating Al Iaquinta at UFC 223. His reign included notable title defenses against Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. Those performances highlighted his ability to impose control while limiting opponents’ offensive opportunities.

From childhood, Nurmagomedov’s development was overseen by his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Following Abdulmanap’s death in 2020, Nurmagomedov returned for one final bout. He retired after submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, completing an undefeated professional career. That sustained dominance and clarity of purpose formed the basis of Rockhold’s recent assessment.

Khabib is a master of sport. He sticks to what he knows. He always knew what he was gonna do. No matter how good he got at striking, no matter how good he got at other realms, he still stuck to his bread and butter. He always had that relaxation about him that just made him stay on top. He’s tough as can be. I was a 185-pounder and he was a 155-pounder, but he was still strong as an ox – him and Islam Makhachev. Every little thing they’d get on me, they’d get so excited.

Luke Rockhold via The Casuals MMA

The 41-year-old also emphasized that Nurmagomedov remained closely connected to MMA after he transitioned into coaching rather than fully stepping away from the sport. Nurmagomedov played a central role in guiding Islam Makhachev’s rise to championship success. His presence as a cornerman reinforced Makhachev’s performances that led to him becoming the 11th two-division champion in UFC history.

Nurmagomedov and Rockhold share a long-standing relationship as training partners. They trained together on multiple occasions during overlapping stages of their UFC careers. Rockhold has acknowledged the physical intensity and pace of the Dagestani legend’s training sessions. Those experiences provided firsthand insight into the pressure that defined Nurmagomedov’s dominance.

Unlike many former UFC champions, Khabib Nurmagomedov has largely avoided sustained attention since retiring. He has focused on developing fighters and investing time in his home region. Discipline, preparation, and structure remain central to his post-fighting work. Luke Rockhold’s assessment carries additional weight given their shared history and direct training experience.

Khabib Nurmagomedov showcases exceptional conditioning at 37 years old

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training discipline has long been a defining part of his career. Throughout his UFC run, preparation and conditioning played a central role in his dominance. Even after retiring, Nurmagomedov has not stepped away from maintaining peak physical shape. He continues to train consistently and prioritize long-term health.

Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Instagram)

A recent video showed Nurmagomedov taking part in an intense conditioning routine in Dagestan. He was seen exiting a sauna or steam room while drenched in sweat. The footage then captured him entering a freezing river in the mountains of Dagestan. He swam against a strong current, reinforcing his long-standing exposure-based training habits.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s habits reflect consistency rather than competition-driven motivation. His routines mirror the discipline that defined his undefeated professional career. For him, training remains a daily standard rather than a requirement for upcoming bouts. This approach highlights how preparation continues to shape his post-retirement life.

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