Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is still a prominent presence in the UFC despite his retirement in 2020. The undefeated Russian is shaping up his career as a coach after teammate Islam Makhachev secured the 155lbs belt in Abu Dhabi last month.

Despite retirement, ‘The Eagle’ still enjoys the ‘Dagestani’ basketball they used in training sessions. In a recent clip posted on social media, the grappling phenom was playing the game with his teammates. However, the unique nature of the game drew some hilarious reactions from fans.

Fans react to Khabib Nurmagomedov playing basketball

In the short clip, Nurmagomedov ran with the ball and scored what looked like a three-pointer. However, he took one too many steps before taking the shot. Normally, this is against the rules in basketball, but ‘Dagestani’ basketball is different.

Apparently, Nurmagomedov and his teammates use this game as a warmup before practice. Regardless, the short clip was enough to draw some funny responses from fans and fighters alike.

UFC Welterweight Orion Cosce commented, “I see that in NBA highlights all the time. That was clean.” Middleweight Eryk Anders wrote, “Hit em with that James Harden.”

Bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili reacted with a simple “😂.”

One fan joked writing, “That ain’t a travel that’s a whole journey 💀.” Another fan wrote, “Jordan never did that move.” Similarly, another fan explained further- “So the reason why they allow traveling is because this is a fusion of wrestling and basketball, which makes the game play similar to that of rugby. Them russians diff😂”

“Dagestan basketball is more like American football than basketball,” observed another. One fan joked saying, “Him and James Harden must get along with all that traveling.” Another fan said, “Look like James Harden.”

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Nurmagomedov shared the clip on his Instagram story and tagged Daniel Cormier. Cormier shared the story and responded joking, “Bro this is trash!!!! My goodness you travelled man.”

Footages of Khabib Nurmagomedov and his teammates playing their version of basketball have come out before. Nevertheless, the sight of ‘The Eagle’ running with the ball from one end of the court to the other continues to entertain fans.

‘The Eagle’ and his love for football

Khabib Nurmagomedov is an ardent football fan. The former 155lbs champion has openly stated his love for the game on several occasions. In fact, the grappling phenom revealed that his “first love” was football.

Following his retirement in 2020, Nurmagomedov entertained the idea of pursuing a career in football. He said, “Football is, for me, best sport…. Football is on another level. MMA, I like MMA, I like fighting. I like competition with people, with best fighters in the world. But football, for me, is, like, best sport.”

‘The Eagle’ added that he needed to get himself into shape as a footballer before making any decisions. The 29-0 fighter maintained he would entertain offers from decent clubs, as it was his childhood dream.

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Is ‘Dagestani’ basketball something you would try? And how do you think Khabib Nurmagomedov would have fared as a footballer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.