Legendary Russian fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov walked out with the Ukraine flag in his fight

Discover former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov's Ukrainian connection.

Legendary Russian fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov walked out with the Ukraine flag in his fight

Khabib Nurmagomedov used to walk out with the Ukrainian flag in the past (Via X)

Khabib Nurmagomedov might be one of the biggest athletes to have ever represented Russia but his heart truly was with Ukraine in the past.

While almost the entire country of Russia claims pride in the success and the amazing career of UFC Hall-of-Fame fighter, there is clear evidence that Nurmagomedov did not initially want to represent them in the past. Recent footage on the internet surfaced amidst the Ukraine-Russia war where Nurmagomedov is seen representing the colors, Yellow and Blue of Ukraine during his previous walkouts.

YouTube video

Nurmagomedov is seen walking out with his father, the legendary MMA combat Sambo coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in a fight that took place in his early career. Nurmagomedov is famous for rocking the Papakha, a hat that is made of fur, which became his trademark in the UFC.

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Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov wear the Ukrainian flag?

Khabib and his family hail from the region of Dagestan. The fighter has never failed to speak highly of his native place, Dagestan during his fighting career in the UFC. Even his walkout music was a song that paid tribute to the region. Moreover, Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap has a long history with the country of Ukraine.

Khabib Nurmagomedov with Ukraine flag
Khabib Nurmagomedov (Via UFC)

Abdulmanap served in the Ukrainian military and even won several tournaments in judo and combat sambo in the country. Khabib’s father finished his education in Ukraine and his brother won the judo championship for the Ukraine national team. The legendary fighter has even attempted to apply for citizenship in Ukraine.

One of Khabib’s uncles, Alex Nurmagomedov has mentioned the story of Khabib applying for Ukrainian citizenship in the past to the news outlet, Sport-Express. However, the fighter was denied citizenship by the Ukrainian government.

Also read: “He just show always”- Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals how his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov always led by example