“Can you fight like him?” Khabib Nurmagomedov gets HILARIOUSLY compared to Islam Makhachev by 7 year old son

Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals being compared to his student, Islam Makhachev by his own son.

“Can you fight like him?” Khabib Nurmagomedov gets HILARIOUSLY compared to Islam Makhachev by 7 year old son

Khabib Nurmagomedov says that his kid compared him to his pupil, Islam Makhachev (via Imago)

Khabib Nurmagomedov is the legendary former UFC lightweight champion. He left the sport in his prime with a record of 29-0. The Dagestani fighter recently revealed a heartwarming anecdote involving his 7-year-old son. Nurmagomedov shared that his son asked him if he could fight like Islam Makhachev. 

Islam Makhachev is Khabib’s protege and the current UFC lightweight champion. Nurmagomedov admitted that his son had never witnessed his fighting prowess firsthand. He said his son was too young at that time. This is what he said:

A couple of weeks ago he asked me ‘Father, can you fight like Islam Makhachev? Because he is a very good fighter. I have never seen you fight like him.’ I’m like ‘Okay, this is a very good question.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via an interview at Miftaah Institute Vancouver
YouTube video

 This revelation highlights the transition that Khabib Nurmagomedov made from an active fighter to a retired athlete and mentor. Nurmagomedov also expressed his desire for his son to pursue a different path. He said he wanted him to steer clear of the demanding life of a professional fighter.

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This statement resonates with the experiences of many former athletes who have grappled with the physical and mental toll of their professions. Nurmagomedov’s willingness to discourage his son from following in his footsteps underscores his desire to protect him from the rigors of the fight game.

Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov retire in his prime?

Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. This was back in October 2020. At just 32 years old and with an unblemished 29-0 record, the Russian fighter walked away while still in his prime.

Khabib Nurmagomedov retires with an unblemished record
Khabib Nurmagomedov retires with an unblemished record (via MMA Fighting)

Nurmagomedov’s retirement came in the aftermath of profound personal tragedy. Just months earlier in July 2020, his father and lifelong coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away due to COVID-19 complications. Losing his father, mentor, and guiding light shook Khabib immensely.

After taking time to grieve, Khabib faced a massive choice – continue fighting without his father’s guidance or honor Abdulmanap’s legacy by retiring on top. Before accepting the Gaethje unification bout, he consulted his mother for three long days. His mother urged him not to fight anymore. At that moment, combat sports lost an all-time great competitor still thriving. But Khabib’s adherence to family obligations superseded his final inroads to unmatched greatness. 

The emotional decision concluded Nurmagomedov’s fabled MMA journey at age 32. In honoring his word to his mother and celebrating his bond with Abdulmanap, Khabib Nurmagomedov tearfully bid farewell. He departed the sport as a revered, undefeated champion putting principles over the unyielding pursuit of more glory.

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