Khabib Nurmagomedov recently opened up about leading his team and continuing his father’s legacy in MMA. After retiring from the UFC as the reigning lightweight champion with an undefeated record, Nurmagomedov transitioned into coaching. He has since guided his team to success while emphasizing discipline and a clear hierarchy.
Nurmagomedov’s decision to retire came after his father, Abdulmanap, passed away. He promised his mother that he would retire following his title bout with Justin Gaethje, and he kept that promise.
Nurmagomedov admitted that his age played a key role in stepping into a leadership position with his team. As the oldest member of the team, he felt responsible for continuing his father’s legacy and helping the next generation succeed.
“When I finished my career, I [became the] oldest on my team,” Nurmagomedov told World Sports Summit. “I have to take leadership. Who is going to take over? Somebody has to lead the team. You cannot leave them alone.”
He added:
“Everyone is younger than me, and my father, he passed away,” Nurmagomedov said. “I’m like, ‘Okay, I have to take this leadership, I have to lead this team, and I have to keep continuing my father’s legacy. I understand, I’m ready for this. Some people, they are not ready.’”
Khabib Nurmagomedov Says He is a Strict Coach
Khabib Nurmagomedov also spoke about his coaching style, revealing that he is strict with his team. He demands a lot from his fighters and pushes them to follow his rules and guidelines.
Speaking with World Sports Summit, Nurmagomedov said he enforces his rules and expects his team to follow them. He makes it clear that there is no room for negotiations and that his instructions must be followed accordingly.
“When we come to the gym, when we begin our training, all of them know this, there is no freedom of speech,” Nurmagomedov said. “Everybody do what I say if I’m coach. In or out, there is no 50/50, and I try to push them very well.”
He added:
“We have rules and in our rules, if you’re young, you’re always wrong,” Nurmagomedov said. “There are rules and you have to follow them.”
Nurmagomedov Touts His Team’s Success
Nurmagomedov also highlighted his team’s success across major promotions, saying it is reflects his work as a coach.
Fighters on Nurmagomedov’s team include Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov, Tagir Ulanbekov, and Ikram Aliskerov. Makhachev and Usman, in particular, are among the top fighters in their respective promotions.
Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Usman, is the reigning PFL lightweight champion and former Bellator lightweight champion. Like his cousin and coach, he achieved this with an unbeaten MMA record, which remains intact.
Meanwhile, Makhachev is the reigning UFC welterweight champion. He moved up to 170 pounds after setting a record for the most consecutive successful lightweight title defenses in UFC history.
“If you look at the result we have in almost every organization, we have champions, and we have some of the best fighters right now,” Nurmagomedov told World Sports Summit. “We are the best team and I’m very happy. It means I’m doing a good job.”
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