WATCH: A Shy Khabib Nurmagomedov Alongside a Baby-Faced Islam Makhachev Answers Candid Questions From Female Fans

Published 03/20/2022, 8:34 AM EDT

Khabib Nurmagomedov is as shy and reserved outside the octagon as furious he is inside of it. Unlike many successful athletes, he refrains from being boastful. Besides, he remains quiet most of the time, and when he talks; he talks about the game only.

However, this throwback video caught the candid side of Khabib Nurmagomedov having fun during an interview with the Russian press. In the short clip, Nurmagomedov is seen sitting with a young Islam Makhachev, light-heartedly responding to female fans.

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When asked about how he spends his time outside of fighting, ‘The Eagle’ responded, “I would like to sleep. I am not involving or spending time with girls. I am married.”

He expressed his passion for eating, but also shared he has to control it being an active fighter then. “Yes, I love to eat, but I am controlling it. Because when you got to 90kg, but after that, it’s harder to weight cut. That’s why I’m controlling myself. I too love to eat because I’m also human,” said Nurmagomedov.

Later, when asked about his fancy shirt, he hinted towards Makhachev. “Brother force me to buy the shirt,” he said as everyone, including him, laughed.

What Fuels a Champion? Check Out Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Diet

Nurmagomedov can be a little wary around women and refrains from making any controversial claim. Hence, it was warming for fans to get to know a different side of the former UFC lightweight division champion.

Khabib Nurmagomedov on UFC Ring Girls

The Russian former MMA fighter has never outrightly opposed the ring card girls in the UFC. However, when he bought his own MMA promotion, he wasn’t eager to have ring girls in it.

Khabib Nurmagomedov purchased the Russian MMA promotion Gorilla Fighting Championship post his retirement in 2021. He rebranded it as Eagle Fighting Championship, after his own moniker, ‘The Eagle’. In a press conference related to the same, he deemed the ring girls unnecessary.

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He cited cultural differences and said he doesn’t have any problem with people liking them in other promotions. But also stated that he too can have his own opinions.

He said, “Every person has his own preferences- the culture and values. I am not against it [having ring girls]. If you want, you can do it. But don’t impose it to me. Do it aside. There are the designated places for it. I think we must not mix all of it. This is my opinion.”

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WATCH THIS STORY: Five moments where Khabib Nurmagomedov was the funniest guy in the room

What do you think about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s hilarious candid interview? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Utkarsh Gathani is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. A Mass Communication graduate from Wilson College, this sports buff, who is captivated by multiple sports, adores MMA. Conor McGregor is the reason for that as Utkarsh is in awe of the man's unbelievable striking ability, his lifestyle, and his trash talking.

WATCH: A Shy Khabib Nurmagomedov Alongside a Baby-Faced Islam Makhachev Answers Candid Questions From Female Fans

Khabib Nurmagomedov on UFC Ring Girls

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