“There are NO MUSLIMS around him” – Khabib Nurmagomedov makes controversial statement about Khamzat Chimaev’s teammates after UFC 279
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev
Khabib Nurmagomedov believes the reason behind Khamzat Chimaev’s disastrous lead-up to UFC 279 is because of the people around him.
Though a fighter gets into the octagon alone to fight his wars, it is more than important to have a good training camp around him leading up to fights. Former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has always been a stern believer in this motto. The Dagestani believes superstar Khamzat Chimaev is lacking a good Muslim teammate around him.
It is no news that Khabib is one of the most religious fighters we have seen grace the octagon. The fighter has used his platform to influence several people around the globe about his religion of Islam. Khamzat, who is also a fighter who comes from the same faith as Khabib recently went through a lot of criticism for his pre-fight antics.
Khamzat was the main reason for how the UFC 279 turned out the way it did. Chimaev’s weigh-in failure led to the entire main card being shuffled which in the end led to a lot of controversy about the Chechen fighter. Khabib believes a good Muslim teammate would’ve guided Khamzat in the right direction.
Khabib Nurmagomedov says Khamzat needs “good” people around him
Khabib was recently in an event hosted by the non-profit organization Human Appeal. The former UFC champ doubted if Chimaev has the right team around him and advised him to have more Muslims on the team. “If you are a Muslim, you should have good people around you,” said Khabib at the event. [transcribed by Bloody Elbow]
“I recently watched the weigh-in of Khamzat Chimaev. I followed what was happening with his weight and looked at his team. There are no Muslims around him and this is very bad. Because if you are a Muslim, you need good, strong people around you,” added Khabib while addressing the gathering during the event.
Khabib also reckons that the Chechen fighter has let fame get to him and is beginning to forget his roots. Chimaev was nearly 8 pounds more than the welterweight limit and was then forced to withdraw from the fight against Nate Diaz and fight Kevin Holland on short notice. There is no lack of talent in Khamzat but discipline is what Khabib believes needs to be instilled in the fighter.
Also read: WATCH: Khamzat Chimaev DEMOLISHES ‘big talk’ Kevin Holland in less than ONE round at UFC 279
Prateek Athanur
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