UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov Gets a Gift From World Cup Winner Kylian Mbappe

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was in attendance yesterday at the famous Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, as FC Barcelona hosted Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash. Nurmagomedov, who is a big follower of soccer, enjoyed the match thoroughly.

PSG demolished Barca in a 4-1 scoreline with French star Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick. Nurmagomedov caught up with the 2018 world-cup winner and got his match shirt as a memento from the 22-year-old superstar. ‘The Eagle’ was one of the very few spectators in attendance at the stadium due to crowd restrictions because of Coronavirus.

Nurmagomedov is a Real Madrid CF fan and shares a close bond with Los Blancos’s former star and all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo. But last night, he was supporting Paris Saint-Germain as they were playing Real Madrid’s arch-rivals, FC Barcelona.

A childhood fan of the sport, Nurmagomedov used to write names of soccer stars on his notebooks when he was in the sixth grade. His dreams of becoming a professional star in the sport didn’t materialize due to his upbringing in Dagestan. He was visibly ecstatic to get a chance to witness such a thrilling clash in the legendary stadium.

In an Instagram live he called out UFC President in typical fashion, saying, “Hey Dana, you here? Let’s make fight here. 100,000 people, let’s go.”

It’s unlikely though he will ever fight in the Camp Nou arena, as it is used for the sole purpose of FC Barcelona’s matches. But one can understand why Nurmagomedov wishes to perform on such a famous stage. The Russian also got a photo with PSG’s Costa Rican show-stopper and former Real Madrid CF star Keylor Navas.

Will Khabib Nurmagomedov return to the UFC?

Nurmagomedov announced retirement from the sport after UFC 254. But White just can’t let his lightweight champion go, as he wants the Dagestani to fight again inside the Octagon. Given his dominance over the years, it’s understandable why he wants that.

However, it’s unlikely he will return. And the UFC should move on with the lightweight division, as it will give more clarity to the rest of the contenders. What step is eventually taken will be seen.

What did you make of ‘The Eagle’ interacting with Kylian Mbappe?