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Mon, Jan 19, 2026 | Shaban 1, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
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How UFC champion Khabib's strict father pushed him to success, inspired coaching career
Khabib did not shy away from talking about modern MMA promotions, particularly in the United States, which overlook hundreds of hungry, skilled fighters in his region
Khabib Nurmagomedov was just 18 when he tried to advise his father for the first time. The fighter explained his thoughts carefully and waited for a response.
His father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, listened without interrupting. When Khabib finished speaking, he asked one simple question: ‘Have you finished?’
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Then came the instruction that would shape Khabib’s life — “Now go and work.”
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Years later, long after his final fight, that sentence still governs everything Khabib does.
Speaking at the World Sports Summit during a session titled 'A Father’s Plan', Khabib made it clear that discipline, not emotion, guided his journey both inside and outside the cage. “My father was very strict, straight, and disciplined. I am happy because I listened to him all my life,” said Khabib.
For Khabib, fighting was never about drama or emotion and he explained it in simple and direct words. “This is not a normal sport. When somebody in front of you is ready to break your face, arms, and legs, it cannot be normal. When somebody tries to smash your face, how can that person be your friend?”
He paused for a while and then added: “It is not fighting. It is a competition.”
Despite being known as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history, Khabib revealed that his childhood dream was never to combat. “My dream was to become a football player,” he said. “By accident, I became a fighter. In my heart, it was always football. But I am very happy being a fighter.”
He said that this acceptance came from structure and passion. Preparation, routine, and obedience mattered more than desire.
During the conversation, he offered a glimpse into what life looked like before a fight. “Four weeks before the fight, 30 people come to the camp. We train all day. At night, only cardio,” he said. “There was no glamour in the process, only repetition.”
Khabib spoke warmly about his longtime coach, Javier Mendez, calling him one of the most important people in his life. “He controls me, teaches me, and helps me become a better person. When I am in doubt, I listen to him. His decisions are always right,” said Khabib.
Khabib made it clear that coaching was not a career choice, and it is an inheritance. “Coaching is in my DNA because of my father. He was a master of multiple disciplines, including freestyle wrestling, judo, and sambo. “He had good knowledge. He taught me a lot.”
Khabib believes that the knowledge he gained from his late father must be passed on. “Everything God gives us, we have to share. I want my students to become better than me,” said Khabib.
He criticised people who have attained success and stop investing in others. “Your knowledge should be given to those who want to learn,” he said.
When asked about leadership, Khabib did not hesitate. “I have to take leadership and continue my father’s legacy, and I am ready for this,” he said.
He also spoke strongly about loyalty. “I have two choices — to be with my team or to be without them,” he said, referring to fellow fighters from Dagestan. “I choose to be with them. This is my father’s legacy.”
Khabib did not shy away from talking about modern MMA promotions, particularly in the United States. He said there are hundreds of hungry, skilled fighters in his region who are overlooked. “There are 500 amateur fighters, and they all want to take over the world. But promotions prefer trash-talking fighters who want to be in the spotlight.”
He also mentioned that promotions are driven by money and visibility, but called for balance. “I understand it is about money. But the sport should be respected. Skills should matter too. It should be 50–50.”
Khabib also shared a lesser-known story from his early UFC days. In 2012, he was told his name was difficult to pronounce and was asked to take a nickname. “I was not okay with this. I have my name. Why should I change it?”
To show respect, he chose ‘Eagle', which is a symbol of Dagestan.
Today, Khabib no longer fights, but he has not slowed down. The rule his father gave him at 18 still applies. And that is to speak less and work more. “Finish your words and then go and work,” concluded the UFC's undefeated lightweight champion.
SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
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