Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Master Recovery Routine Goes Viral Again As UFC Featherweight Star Reveals Secret

UFC featherweight contender Nathaniel Wood reveals a recovery routine similar to UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Master Recovery Routine Goes Viral Again As UFC Featherweight Star Reveals Secret

Nathaniel Wood reveals a similar training routine to Khabib Nurmagomedov (via MMA Mania, Playoffs)

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Mixed martial artists operate in a variety of training environments, each with its own schedule and recovery philosophy. Some camps focus on high-volume sessions, others split work across multiple sessions per day. Within this landscape, fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and UFC featherweight contender Nathaniel Wood stand out because of their approach to mid-day rest between training.

Nurmagomedov’s career is already archived as a blueprint of preparation that translated into results, from his 29-0 undefeated streak to multiple title defenses. However, the ‘Eagle’ has a track record of durability across five-round fights without late-career physical collapse, which he achieved without any supplements or fancy treatments. Instead, he balanced his training and recovery with daily naps.

Wood, an active UFC featherweight, has recently highlighted elements of his training schedule that echo approaches seen in high-level camps like Khabib’s. ‘The Prospect’ recently spoke about how his training and recovery regimen has led to better performances ahead of his upcoming UFC 321 bout against Jose Delgado. Wood emphasized the importance of daytime naps in helping him perform better.

My strength and conditioning coach said to me a long time ago: ‘Mate, if you get the naps in it will increase athletic performance.’ I was thinking, oh, a nap? Come on, I’m not going to a nap. I’m 28 years old you know I ain’t doing that. Mate, I cannot function without a nap now. It’s changed your life, then basically. If I don’t have a nap come second session I’m a bit like you know a bit brain foggy, a bit fatigued.

Nathaniel Wood via Home Of Fight

Wood has carved out a notable career with multiple victories in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. He made his UFC debut in 2018 and submitted his first three opponents in the promotion. However, his momentum was halted by a knockout loss to John Dodson in 2020. Wood then made his featherweight debut in 2022 and cemented himself in the division with a dominant win against Charles Jourdain.

Nurmagomedov’s development as a fighter began in childhood under the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, a highly respected coach in Dagestan. From an early age, Khabib trained in multiple disciplines, including wrestling, sambo, and striking, building a foundation that would later define his UFC career.

After retiring from competition, Khabib has continued to train fighters and champions such as Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad through his own camps, applying the same principles that made him a dominant champion. Khabib Nurmagomedov and Nathaniel Wood represent examples of structured approaches within MMA camps, showing how preparation methods continue to influence performance.

Justin Gaethje reflects on his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Justin Gaethje entered UFC 254 as one of the most feared strikers in the lightweight division, known for his power, speed, and aggressive fight style. In that matchup, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ground game proved decisive, as he neutralized Gaethje’s striking through relentless wrestling and positional control and finally submitted the ‘Highlight’ in the second round of their fight.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 254
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 (via Geo Super)

The victory at UFC 254 carried added significance for Khabib Nurmagomedov beyond the octagon. It was his first fight after the passing of his father and longtime coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and it also marked his final competitive appearance in mixed martial arts. Gaethje recently spoke about what he said to the Dagestani superstar that night at the Flash Forum.

I had lost a fight, so I felt very upset… but when I saw [Khabib] in that state, I kind of put my emotions in the back. I went to him and said, ‘I think you just made your dad pretty happy.’ I’d be proud.

Justin Gaethje via X

Notably, Khabib Nurmagomedov did not fully choke out Justin Gaethje out of respect for his opponent’s parents, who were present in the crowd, emphasizing the personal values that guided his final fight. The matchup remains a defining moment for the sport, illustrating how preparation, skill, and sportsmanship intersect at the highest levels of MMA.

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