Who is Buvaisar Saitiev? Man in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s heart-breaking tribute
The UFC community, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, expressed their deep sadness at the news of Buvaisar Saitiev's passing.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov mourns the death of Buvaisar Saitiev (Image via Imago/Instagram)
Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of Russia’s standout representatives in the world of mixed martial arts. Throughout his career in the UFC, his remarkable journey has inspired many aspiring fighters. However, just as Nurmagomedov serves as a role model for young fighters today, he was also inspired by a remarkable individual named Buvaisar Saitiev.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Buvaisar Saitiev shared a strong bond during their wrestling careers in Russia. However, when the news broke of Saitiev’s passing at the age of 49, Nurmagomedov promptly paid tribute to him. As such, the ‘Eagle’ took to Instagram to share a photo of himself with Saitiev, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.
You inspired millions of children around the world, you will be missed.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via Instagram
Buvaisar Saitiev is regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time. Throughout his illustrious career, he achieved numerous accolades, including being a six-time world champion and a three-time Olympic gold medalist. With these impressive accomplishments, Saitiev helped elevate Russian wrestling to prominence on the world stage.
Similar to Saitiev, Khabib Nurmagomedov is considered one of the greatest fighters to come out of Russia. Due to his impressive fight record in mixed martial arts, Dagestani fighters are often regarded as some of the most dominant in the sport. After retiring in 2020, Nurmagomedov has transitioned into coaching. Interestingly, he was not the only one who mourned Saitiev’s passing.
Fellow Olympic gold medalist pens down a message for Buvaisar Saitiev
In recognition of his exceptional career, Buvaisar Saitiev was named an Honored Master of Sports of Russia in 1995. He received several prestigious awards, including the Order of Honor, and the Order of Friendship, and many more. As a result, Saitiev became one of the most renowned figures in the wrestling circuit.
Henry Cejudo is another prominent wrestler in the UFC who entered the promotion with a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Interestingly, Saitiev won his Olympic gold medals in 1994, 2004, and 2008, competing in the 74-kilogram (163 lbs) weight category. While reflecting on the legacy of Saitiev after his passing, Cejudo shared that he had watched the Russian wrestler compete in 2008.
It’s hard to find words to describe how I’m feeling. He was a man that I looked up to growing up in the sport of wrestling. I remember winning and being part of the 2008 Olympic championship team and I was more honored to be there with him. A man that was poetry in motion at its finest, and in my opinion, the greatest athlete who has ever ever lived or walked on planet Earth….
Henry Cejudo via Instagram
In addition to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Henry Cejudo, several other prominent wrestlers in the UFC community mourned the death of Buvaisar Saitiev. Notable figures such as Khamzat Chimaev and Daniel Cormier expressed their deep sadness at the loss of one of the sport’s legends, who passed away at the age of just 49. The cause of death is believed to be cardiac arrest.
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