Khabib Nurmagomedov’s commitment to carrying forward his father’s legacy in MMA is truly admirable. Since the passing of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in 2020, Khabib has taken on a pivotal role at his father’s MMA school in Dagestan, nurturing young talents and organizing fights to showcase their skills.
This weekend, at the UAE Warriors 49 and 50 events in Abu Dhabi on May 17 and 18, Khabib’s efforts to honor his father’s work will be prominently on display. The cards will feature some of the most promising fighters from the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov gym, highlighting the talent that has emerged under Khabib’s guidance.
One of the key matchups to watch is Sharapudin Ziyaudinov versus American fighter Mariano Jones at UAE Warriors 49: Arabia vs Africa on May 17. This bout promises to be an exciting clash between talents from different backgrounds, reflecting the international reach of Nurmagomedov’s fight academy.
The following day, May 18, three representatives from Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s school will step into the cage at UAE Warriors 50, further demonstrating the depth of talent cultivated by Khabib and his team.
Beyond his involvement in nurturing young fighters, Khabib remains closely connected to his longtime friend and fellow Dagestani fighter, Islam Makhachev. Despite no longer being part of Makhachev’s fight camps, Khabib continues to support him as he prepares for his UFC 302 lightweight title defense against Dustin Poirier.
Their friendship, rooted in childhood and training under Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap, reflects a deep bond that extends beyond the confines of the octagon. Khabib’s message of support to Makhachev ahead of his upcoming bout underscores the enduring camaraderie and mutual respect shared between these two talented fighters.
As Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to champion his father’s vision and mentor the next generation of MMA stars, his impact on the sport extends far beyond his own illustrious career in the UFC. His dedication to preserving his father’s legacy serves as an inspiration to fighters and fans alike, embodying the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance that define the Nurmagomedov fighting spirit.
