UFC: Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the biggest names in UFC history. The Russian finished his career undefeated and on top of the lightweight division. And given his discipline and work ethic, fans often portrayed Khabib as the good guy. However, we look at the few times Khabib Nurmagomedov found himself in the middle of controversies. For more combat sports news, follow Insidesport.IN.
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Khabib retired in 2021 and has taken a back seat in the MMA world ever since. However, given what a big star he was in the sport, the Russian continues to make headlines even today. This is mostly for good reasons the Russian is no stranger to scandals. So here are a few times Khabib Nurmagomedov found himself in hot water.
UFC: Every Time Khabib Nurmagomedov Got Involved in Major Controversies
Five times Khabib Nurmagomedov got involved in controversies
5. Khabib vs UFC Ring girls: The Russian is very firm in his beliefs. And although he is not very outspoken, he is not afraid to speak his mind when asked. One example of this was when he questioned the need for ring girls in the UFC. The Russian believed that it was not a necessity in the sport and it is vulgar. Needless to say, the UFC ring girls retorted and Khabib Nurmagomedov found himself in a verbal battle with Arianny Celeste.
4. Khabib Nurmagomedov weight cuts: Khabib often made headlines for his weight-cut issues. The Russian used to cut over 30 lbs. to fight at lightweight. And one of these weight cuts created a bit of controversy. Ahead of UFC 254, Khabib missed weight on the first attempt. And on the second attempt, with the towel, the Russian made weight. However, fans were quick to notice how quickly the official called the weight. Usually, it takes about ten seconds. This started a debate and even some accusations that the commission intentionally ignored it.
3. Troublesome teammates and friends: While the UFC champion has stayed clear of getting into criminal accusations himself, he has often associated with the wrong people. ‘The Eagle’ is friends with some of Russia’s biggest oligarchs, which is never a good sign. Moreover, his teammates and friends have been in trouble with the law on two occasions. One of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s friends faced 19 years in prison for fraud, while a teammate faced charges of murder.
2. Khamzat vs Khabib: Despite not fighting in 2022, Khabib was part of Islam Makhachev’s coaching team. And after the main event, rising sensation Khamzat Chimaev had a run-in with Aboubakar Nurmagomedov. Khabib, who was in the cage, was ready to pounce. And after the altercation, the Russian had a few words for the Swede. However, the two later squashed their beef.
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor: Number one has to be the controversy with Conor McGregor. The Russian started it all by cornering McGregor’s teammate Artem Lobov and assaulting him with a group of his teammates. McGregor then targeted the Russian and even attacked the bus. A high-octane fight followed with a fiery press conference. However, the biggest controversy came in the aftermath of the fight when McGregor jumped the fence and attacked McGregor’s corner.
So, there you have it. These are five moments Khabib Nurmagomedov got involved in controversies. While not all was his doing, it certainly did not help him when he found himself in the midst of these incidents.
What do you make of Khabib Nurmagomedov? Do you think he was the good guy?
For more combat sports news, follow Insidesport.IN.
