“I Was Only 14 Years Old”- Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Fanboy Moment With Yoel Romero

During UFC Media Lunch Day, Yoel Romero shared his experience with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

At 42 years old, Romero is one of the most intimidating athletes in the UFC. With a silver medal in the 2000 Olympics, Romero has proved that he is one of the best wrestlers in the world. He also has victories over some great American wrestles, including Cael Sanderson.

Ahead of his match at UFC 248, Romero recalled the time he spent wrestling in Dagestan. He referred to Dagestan as the “best city in the world for wrestling.” Romero then described his three month’s stay in Dagestan.

“I stayed for three months in this city when I was wrestling. I stayed for three months in Dagestan. All in my division, six or seven world champions in Dagestan. Those six people for one of them to come out on top for the world championships or the Olympic games. You can’t imagine — six people, [all] world champions but you have that many people [to train with].”

During his time in Dagestan, Romero might have inspired Khabib. As Khabib was present during Romero’s wrestling matches.

Yoel Romero recalls meeting Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib is the current UFC lightweight champion. He holds an undefeated record of 28-0. The Dagestani is well-known for his wrestling pedigree. Along with Romero, he is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC. Khabib has dominated almost all of his opponents with his superior wrestling.

“I remember the first time when I saw him, he was in the United States, was at my first fight,” Romero explained. “I finish the win, he went ‘hey Yoel, you remember me?’ and I said ‘no, who are you?’ He said ‘I am Khabib Nurmagomedov, I see you the first time when you stayed in Dagestan, a big tournament and I saw you and I was only 14 years old.’ I said, ‘oh really?’.

Both Romero and Khabib will face their toughest challenges yet. Romero will face Israel Adesanya at UFC 248. The match is less than a week away. Whereas Khabib will face Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in one of the most anticipated bouts in UFC history.