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MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: Mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks at the 2nd New Knowledge educational marathon (forum). The New Knowledge Forum runs from 1 to 3 September 2021 as a new school year begins in Russia. Artyom Geodakyan/TASS (Photo by Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images)
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: Mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks at the 2nd New Knowledge educational marathon (forum). The New Knowledge Forum runs from 1 to 3 September 2021 as a new school year begins in Russia. Artyom Geodakyan/TASS (Photo by Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images)
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: Mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks at the 2nd New Knowledge educational marathon (forum). The New Knowledge Forum runs from 1 to 3 September 2021 as a new school year begins in Russia. Artyom Geodakyan/TASS (Photo by Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images)
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: Mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks at the 2nd New Knowledge educational marathon (forum). The New Knowledge Forum runs from 1 to 3 September 2021 as a new school year begins in Russia. Artyom Geodakyan/TASS (Photo by Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images)
Khabib Nurmagomedov is hands down one of the best fighters to enter the octagon. He remained undefeated in his professional fighting career and dominated the lightweight division of UFC.
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‘The Eagle‘ put his hometown Dagestan on the world map by showcasing his amazing fighting skills inside the UFC octagon. Even after retirement, he serves as a role model for other fighters fighting out of Russia.
Nurmagomedov, besides pursuing his business interests and coaching young Russian fighters, appears in interviews. At one such interview, he revealed he is not happy with the way the media portrays his hometown. ‘The Eagle’ said, “Ninety percent of the media write this way.”
He added, “When did you ever see at least one good, positive piece of news about Dagestan in the last 10 years? Let’s exclude stories that Khabib won or whatever. Did anyone write anything from the big popular media?”
Khabib Nurmagomedov can be a better coach than he is a fighter
‘The Eagle’ retired with an impressive 29-0 UFC record, comprising three successful lightweight title defenses.
However, the Dagestan native has not completely left the sport. He has been coaching his friends and teammates. Akin to his fighting career, ‘The Eagle’ has been exceptional in his coaching career.
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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – APRIL 07: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia poses for a portrait backstage with his team after his victory over Al Iaquinta during the UFC 223 event inside Barclays Center on April 7, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
One of Nurmagomedov’s proteges, Usman Nurmagomedov, praised ‘The Eagle’. Via a translator, he said, “Yeah, I believe that Khabib can definitely take that path. And whatever he’s putting his mind to, usually and normally, he achieves that. And in this case, I believe that he can definitely be a better coach than he is a fighter.”
‘The Eagle’ also coaches his long-time friend Islam Makhachev, who competes in the lightweight division of the UFC. Makhachev’s performances till now in the division surely do justice to what Usman said about Khabib’s coaching career.
What do you make out of Khabib’s words? What are your thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching career? Let us know in the comments below.
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