Khabib Nurmagomedov’s path to UFC greatness wasn’t always smooth. The undefeated champion faced a crossroads early in his career. Injuries threatened to derail his dreams, but his father’s wisdom changed everything.
In a recent podcast interview with Inspire Me, Nurmagomedov opened up about a challenging period from 2014 to 2016. A series of setbacks left the fighter questioning his future. He broke his leg, underwent ACL surgery, and faced more injuries. Doubt crept in. Khabib turned to his father, Abdulmanap, wondering if it was time to hang up his gloves. But the elder Nurmagomedov wouldn’t hear of it.
“It was a very hard time and I remember I was talking with my father, ‘maybe this is a signal from God you have to stop’. He told me you can not give up. When you have some test you have to show your toughness if you’re tough. If you’re not tough you can just give up, and that’s it,” said Nurmagomedov.
The pep talk lit a fire under the young fighter. Abdulmanap also declared that he’d make someone a UFC champion with or without Khabib, which struck a chord. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Khabib Nurmagomedov came back stronger than ever. He dominated the lightweight division, capturing and defending the title multiple times. His tale is a reminder that even the greatest athletes face moments of doubt. It’s what they do in those moments that defines them. For Khabib, his father’s unwavering belief made all the difference.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Promising Talent From His Father’s Academy
Khabib Nurmagomedov is keeping his father’s legacy alive. The Dagestani fighter recently introduced four rising stars from his late father’s academy. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was more than just Khabib’s father. He was a visionary who dreamed of creating a fighting powerhouse in Dagestan. His gym has already produced two UFC champions, including Khabib himself.
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Now, a new generation of fighters is ready to make their mark. Khabib took the time to go to Instagram to share the news with his followers. He announced that four promising talents will compete in upcoming UAE Warriors events.
Shakhban Alkhasov, Imam-Shafi Mukhtarov, Sharapudin Ziyaudinov, and Zubair Zubairov are the chosen ones. These young fighters carry the hopes of the Nurmagomedov legacy on their shoulders. Ziyaudinov will be the first to test his skills at UAE Warriors 49. The other three will step into the octagon at the milestone UAE Warriors 50 event.
It’s a proud moment for ‘The Eagle,’ who has retired from both fighting and coaching. He still trains with current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, though. Old habits die hard, it seems!
Also Read: Who Is The Only UFC Fighter To Fight Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov?
