In sports, many things become synonymous with an athlete’s personality. Take Michael Jordan, for example—his red shoes have become as iconic as his game itself. Similarly, there are countless examples where athletes’ accessories become part of their identity. In the UFC, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Khabib Nurmagomedov share a lot in common—being two of the most feared fighters, undefeated superstars, and even wearing hats. And as fighters are often seen wearing traditional headwear, which has sparked curiosity. Do they wear the same hat?
To put it simply, even though their hats might look alike, they’re actually different. Khabib, coming from Dagestan, usually rocked a papakha, a big, fluffy, white hat that is iconic in the Caucasus region. It’s not just for the style—it’s a symbol of his roots and cultural pride, a piece of his identity that he proudly displays everywhere.
On the other hand, Shavkat, who represents Kazakhstan, sports a tyubeteika, a traditional Central Asian cap. While it carries the same cultural weight, the tyubeteika has a different look—flatter and more cylindrical in shape. It’s also a symbol of pride, particularly for people in Kazakhstan.
In the UFC, fighters often do things to represent their culture, like Pereira painting his face red to honor his tribe or others getting tattoos with deep personal meaning. It’s the same with Khabib and Shavkat—they wear their traditional hats as a way to showcase their cultural pride and identity.
UFC Star Shavkat Rakhmonov Reveals How Kazakh Culture Fuels His Fighting Spirit In The Octagon
In one episode of UFC Connected, ‘Nomad’ shared insights into the rich history of his ancestors. Rakhmonov talked about how the legacy of his warrior ancestors continues to inspire Kazakhs. Shavkat emphasizes that the essence of Kazakhstan lies in its soul. He describes the people as friendly and hospitable, noting that the men are bold and daring. This early exposure ignited his passion for combat sports.
“I don’t want to boast about my ancestors, but they were no ordinary people. They were steppe nomads. They would move from place to place. And they were a warlike people. Kazakhs have always valued their courageous warriors, their baturs (heroes), and loved them,” he said.
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Moreover, Shavkat revealed that his fighting journey started in childhood, inspired by his older brothers, who pushed him to join neighborhood brawls. With the spirit of his ancestors fueling his courage and determination, he steps into the octagon, where he continues to outclass many fighters with his extraordinary skills.
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