In 2012, hailing from the “crazy mountains” of Dagestan,  a 23-year-old Khabib Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut against Kamal Shalorus. Only if he had known then what he would achieve next. But long before his UFC glory, he was a superstar in his home country of Russia. He was a known figure in Russia with an undefeated record of 16 wins. And his admirers knew back then that ‘The Eagle’ was meant for the big leagues, where he later shone the brightest.

An old footage of the former UFC lightweight champion has surfaced, where the inspiration of millions, Khabib, is talking about his role models in this video from 2011. At the age of 22, as he sat down to talk to the students of DSU, an ambitious prospect from Dagestan shared his admiration for two pivotal figures who shaped his journey in mixed martial arts.

When asked about his idols, Khabib responded, “My idols in MMA? First of all, it’s Fedor Emelyanenko. Who did I watch on TV? And at my home it’s Shamil Zavurov.” These two names, Fedor Emelianenko and Shamil Zavurov, represent the global and local influences that molded Khabib Nurmagomedov into the undefeated UFC lightweight champion he would become.

While talking about his life, Khabib was asked: What profession would he choose if he weren’t a professional fighter? To which ‘The Eagle’ responded with, “What would I become if I weren’t an athlete? I thought about it for a while, but I couldn’t find another profession. My father did not force me to work. As I understood it, it’s in my blood.” Khabib once pondered alternative careers but found none that resonated.

“The Last Emperor,” Fedor Emelianenko, is widely considered one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history. His dominance in PRIDE FC during the 2000s, coupled with his stoic demeanor and technical prowess in sambo and judo, made him a revered figure in the sport. For Khabib, watching Fedor on television provided a blueprint for excellence and humility in the fight game. And as others took joy in watching Fedor, Khabib took notes. 

On the other hand, Shamil Zavurov played a more intimate role in Khabib’s development. A former M-1 Global Welterweight Champion and a three-time World Combat Sambo Champion, Zavurov was not just a cousin but also a training partner and a mentor. Under the guidance of Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Zavurov helped instill discipline and a strong work ethic in the young Khabib. Zavurov even competed in his last fight at Khabib’s Eagle Fighting Championship 40 in 2021, where Khabib was by his side, assisting in training and cornering him during the fight.

This sentiment underscores the deep-rooted passion and familial influence that propelled Khabib to greatness. Once, just a young boy from Dagestan, now has his name etched among the top columns of UFC History. Yet when Khabib ended his legendary journey, he arguably surpassed all the expectations anyone could’ve had of him. With a record of 29-0, no one could doubt ‘The Eagle’ or question him. An emotional Khabib abruptly ended his career after the passing away of his father and legendary coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. And left us all missing his fighting days.

Khabib Nurmagomedov retires from MMA after completing a pledge he made to his father

In the emotionally charged aftermath of UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov knelt in the center of the Octagon, tears streaming down his face. Moments earlier, he had secured a second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje, extending his flawless record to 29-0. Yet, it wasn’t the triumph that overwhelmed him—it was the fulfillment of a promise made to his late father and lifelong coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who had passed away in July 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.

Talking about the weeks before his fight with Gaethje, Khabib revealed, “When UFC called me about Justin, I talked with my mother for three days. She didn’t want me to go fight without father, but I promised her it’s going to be my last fight. And if I give my word, I have to follow this.” Following this, Khabib retired from fighting, and even when tycoons like Dana White persuaded him to make a return, he denied, saying, “I gave my word, and I have to follow this.”

In honoring his promise, Khabib didn’t just retire as a champion; he solidified his legacy as a man of principle, showing the world that true greatness lies not just in victories, but in the values one upholds. Furthermore, he took over as a coach and has since produced talents that are dominating MMA through different promotions. Names like Islam Makhachev, Usman, Umar Nurmagomedov, and even Belal Muhammad. All have reached excellence in ‘The Eagle’s guidance.

But we still get to see Khabib, not as a fighter but in the corners of his students in their fight. After fulfilling his promise to never compete without his father by his side, he has taken one step further and followed in his legacy. And in just a few years as a coach, he has taken over the sport. We can only wonder who he is going to bring up next. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.