What does it take to shape a teenager facing tough times into someone known worldwide for their discipline and respect? Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC Lightweight Champion, has not only conquered the octagon but also the challenges of adolescence with the guidance of a remarkable mentor – his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. After his father’s death, Khabib left the octagon but indulged in being a coach and training future superstars.

During a recent talk with Patrick Bet David on his YouTube channel, the PBD Podcast, Khabib talked about his strong connection. He shared his thoughts and how he understood his father more over time.

Khabib Nurmagomedov provides insights about his father

The 34-year-old provided a profound insight into his relationship with his father. “Our culture was like, it’s very hard to hear from father. Oh, I love you. It’s very hard. It’s because it’s our culture.”

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Khabib shared that he had a realization at a certain juncture: his father was, in fact, his true friend. He expressed that before the age of 15, he often questioned why he was being pushed so hard. “I realized my father is my real friend. When I was like 15, 16. Before that, I was thinking, why this is pushing me too much. Too much training, these racing, these bears, animals, doing all this stuff. And I was competing in all sports, amateur, you know. Like freestyle, great caro man, great kick, like combat sambo. I was competing everywhere, like judo. And when I become like 15, 16, I become like very close with father.” 

“Be a Champion”- Amid Distraughtful Phase, Khabib Nurmagomedov Becomes a Source of Inspiration for Family and Teammates

Khabib thought about how his father’s way of doing things made more sense to him as he got older. He realized that when he was younger, there was a gap in understanding due to their different ages. With time, he saw that he couldn’t freely express his thoughts with his parents. This became clear to him when he was around 15 or 16 years old.

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s teachings to Khabib

When asked about his dedication and the lessons his dad taught him that stuck with him at a young age, Khabib replied, “I have rules, I have discipline. And for me, it’s all about numbers, you know. I have to do most of them, like all things, on time. Like you have to wake up on like six, seven, you have to train after you come home.
Breakfast, go to school, come back, do homework, train, come back, eat, sleep, repeat. It’s like this. You know, like a lot of people think to become world champion, to become the best in the world. It’s not an easy thing, you know.

Khabib shared that his father played a crucial role in his upbringing, teaching him essential values. He emphasized that his father instilled in him discipline, a strong set of rules, and most importantly, the value of respect. “Father teach me discipline, rules, and number one thing, it was respect.” Further, Khabib emphasized that his father had taught him that responding to bullying or disrespect with physical confrontation was not a wise approach.

In his journey from a turbulent teenager to a respected champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov attributes his transformation to his father’s guidance. Despite cultural differences that made verbal affection uncommon, Khabib learned that actions spoke love. He realized his father’s tough approach was to make him strong. They grew closer as Khabib understood his father’s system. His father’s teachings centered on discipline, rules, and most importantly, respect for others. This upbringing molded Khabib into both a UFC champion and a champion of respect in all aspects of life.

Watch this story: Team Khabib Fires Back at Conor McGregor Hours After Ex-UFC Champ’s Grim Prediction for Fellow Lightweight Rival Justin Gaethje