Home

UFC

VIDEO- Russian UFC Legend Khabib Nurmagomedov Walks Out With a Ukrainian Flag

Published 04/22/2022, 2:39 PM EDT

Follow Us

It goes without saying that the former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest MMA fighters to ever step foot inside the UFC octagon. ‘The Eagle’ fights out of Dagestan, Russia. However, Nurmagomedov is seen walking out with a Ukrainian flag in his fights before the UFC.

‘The Eagle’ was born in the village of Sildi in the Tsumadinsky District of the Dagestan ASSR, an autonomous republic within the Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. He grew up and trained MMA under his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in Dagestan. Later, he represented Russia on a global scale.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, the Dagestani native also has some Ukrainian roots. Amidst the ongoing critical situation between Russia and Ukraine, a video of the former UFC champion is going viral.

In the video, Nurmagomedov is walking out with his father, the famous MMA combat Sambo coach, Abdulmanap, for his fight. Notably, ‘The Eagle is not wearing his signature Papakha. However, he has a Ukrainian flag on his shoulder.

WATCH THIS STORY: Conor McGregor’s Super-Human Body Transformation After The Horrific Injury At UFC 264

Surprisingly, the former UFC champion has strong Ukrainian roots. His father has completed his education in Ukraine. Furthermore, he won several sambo and judo tournaments in the same country.

Abdulmanap has also served in the Ukrainian army. Also, Khabib’s uncle won a judo championship for the Ukraine national team. Hence, all these factors explain the former UFC champion Nurmagomedov’s connection with Ukraine.

Khabib Nurmagomedov: More on what he is doing now

‘The Eagle’ made his UFC debut in 2012. As soon as he entered the promotion, he started mauling his opponents and leapfrogged the division. He made a mark in the 155lbs of UFC with his dominant wins.

via Getty

Later, he also won the UFC lightweight gold at UFC 223 in 2018. After becoming the UFC champion, Nurmagomedov defended his title three times by defeating some of the biggest names in the promotion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Greatest Fighters Of All Time- Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Who’s On His List

However, he retired from professional fighting forever in 2020 after the demise of his father. But he still continues to train his friends and teammates for their UFC careers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Also, Nurmagomedov earned a fortune from his fights in the UFC, which he is now using wisely in his entrepreneurial ventures. He has also started his own MMA promotion, ‘The Eagle FC’ after retirement. All in all, Nurmagomedov is living a good life after the UFC.

What are your thoughts on Nurmagomedov’s legacy? What do you think of his old video? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Afnan Chougle

973Articles

One take at a time

Afnan Chougle is a UFC author at EssentiallySports. Besides writing, this Media graduate is an integral part of the digital web stories team for combat sports. Before joining EssentiallySports, Afnan gained valuable experience as an intern at Jiostudios Production House.
Show More>

Edited by:

Ajinkya Aswale