Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje in UFC 254: why the Russian champion might be the nicest man in MMA – but has no patience for Conor McGregor
After losing his coach and father Abdulmanap to Covid-19, UFC star Nurmagomedov heads back into the octagon to cement his winning streak: he’s also one of the classiest fighters out there
The reigning and undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to fight American mixed martial artist Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
The event, taking place on Saturday afternoon local time (2am Sunday morning in Hong Kong), offers the Russian fighter the potential to clock a 30-0 winning streak.
What’s more, for the first time in his career, Nurmagomedov will be fighting without his long-time confidante, father and trainer Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov by his side, after his death earlier this year.
In the lead-up to the monumental fight, we look back on why the 32-year-old Nurmagomedov has garnered respect, honour and integrity both inside and outside the octagon.
He is a devoted son
Nurmagomedov Senior died on July 3 after complications associated with the Covid-19 virus. In addition to having a close relationship with his son, Abdulmanap was a key figure in the development of the Caucasus combat sport scene, and was honoured in a poignant video by BT Sports in the lead-up to UFC 254.
At the time, the UFC fighter took to social media to pay tribute to his father with a photo of the two hugging and a passage from the Koran. Following the quote, RT Sports translated the following message from the Instagram caption: “I will miss you Father, you were a Father, a friend, brother and coach in one person. You taught me almost everything I know, I hope that you were happy with me. The contentment of parents is the contentment of Allah.”
He has respect for his opponents