The undefeated, undisputed former light-weight champion was honored by the UFC
Khabib Nurmagomedov paid a touching tribute to his late father Abdulmanap whereas revealing one of the best second of his stellar preventing profession because the Russian former light-weight champion was formally inducted into the UFC Corridor of Fame.
Khabib, who retired with an unblemished 29-Zero file as one of the vital dominant forces MMA has ever seen, took to the stage on the T-Cellular Area to obtain his UFC honor on Thursday evening, at a ceremony the place shut pal and former coaching associate Daniel Cormier additionally formally turned a Corridor of Famer.
Khabib, 33, talked of the relentless laborious work and dedication which paved the way in which for his exceptional profession contained in the cage, which ended with a usually complete victory when he choked out Justin Gaethje in October of 2020, for what his 13th win contained in the UFC Octagon and third title protection.
However talking on sidelines of the occasion, Khabib stated it was his first title protection towards infamous Irish nemesis Conor McGregor which had been the spotlight of his 12-year skilled profession.
“It was right here, this area, October 6, 2018,” Khabib instructed the media, referencing his fourth-round submission victory over McGregor in a vicious grudge match which was adopted by a mass crowd brawl.
“Largest combat in MMA historical past. I’m very glad I win this combat. I can lose any of my fights. However no approach this combat,” added Khabib.
The rise of ‘The Eagle’ from the mountains of Dagestan to the head of his sport wouldn’t have been potential with out his father and coach Abdulmanap, who handed away two years in the past on the age of 57 after issues stemming from a Covid-19 an infection.
Khabib stated he wouldn’t be the person he’s in the present day with out the steerage from his father, citing a number of the most necessary classes he had realized.
“I grew up in a really small village with a really poor life,” stated Khabib in feedback shared by MMA Preventing.
“My father, he introduced us from village, he offered our home and he brings me, my brother, my cousins, it was nearly like 15 folks from village to capital metropolis.
“He rented a really large home and all of us have been dwelling collectively. We’d eat collectively. We have been going to high school, come again, coaching, come again, simply father, making an attempt to take a position the whole lot now we have. Time, vitality, cash, he invested in us. He invested in us.”
From these humble beginnings, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov raised Khabib and a number of different championship-winning combined martial artists – and Khabib stated investing in folks was one in all his key messages.
“All his life he was doing, he was investing in folks. That is very large motivation for me. Even now after I’m completed, proper now I’m making an attempt to spend money on folks. As a result of that is one of the best funding.”
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An emotional Khabib admitted that his views had shifted following his father’s loss of life, and that he positioned a lot much less emphasis on materials issues than in his youth.
“I can do no matter I would like on this planet,” stated Khabib. “I should purchase any home on this planet, however that is offers me good vitality. This isn’t who I’m. This isn’t what my father taught me. I’m very glad about this as a result of I bear in mind like 10 years in the past, my thoughts was utterly completely different. ‘Oh, I’m going to grow to be champion. I’m going to grow to be wealthy. I’m going to purchase the whole lot.’
“However the whole lot what occurred the final two years, this has modified my thoughts and altered the way in which how I used to be considering. It was the third of July 2020, nearly two years in the past, it’s going to be two years that father will not be with me. It’s a really laborious time standing right here and speaking about him. It’s very emotional for me.”
Since retiring, Khabib has taken on his father’s teaching legacy, serving to the rise of Islam Makhachev to the verge of a shot on the 155lbs title which Khabib himself as soon as owned.
“I actually imagine [Islam is] going to grow to be champion. Why do I discuss Islam? As a result of that is my father’s legacy,” vowed Khabib, including that Makhachev wouldn’t be the one one to be topped UFC champion from amongst his crop of fighters.
