Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov is a Russian mixed martial artist and Sambo practitioner, born on the 20th of September 1988. Nurmagomedov fights in the UFC’s lightweight division and is undefeated.

He is a two time Combat Sambo World Champion, Judo black belt and has one of the longest undefeated streaks in MMA. His father converted the ground floor of their house to a gym in Kirovaul District and Nurmagomedov got interested in martial arts while watching people train at the gym.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career before the UFC

Khabib Nurmagomedov made his pro MMA debut in September of 2008 and won his debut by submission. He followed it up with three straight wins by decision. In 2009 Nurmagomedov won three fight all by finish.

He continued his career in 2011 with a record of 9-0 he won seven fights the same year, all by stoppage. The incredible winning streak made UFC notice him and he got signed by the promotion in 2012.

Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC

Khabib Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut against Iranian wrestler Kamal Shalorus at UFC on FX 1 and won by submission in the third round. Gleison Tibau was the next opponent who Nurmagomedov defeated by decision, although some media outlets saw the fight for Tibau.

Khabib Nurmagomedov – Photo by Micha Forssberg/MManytt.se

In 2013 he won three fights against Abel Trujillo, Pat Healy and Thiago Tavares. He knocked out Tavares in the first round.

After defeating former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, Khabib Nurmagomedov had alot of injuries and didn’t compete for almost two years. He made his comeback from the injury against late notice replacement Darrell Horcher who he defeated by TKO in the 2nd round.

His latest fight was against highly ranked Michael Johnson. In between rounds Nurmagomedov talks to UFC President Dana White, pleading his case for why he is next in line for a title shot. He defeated Johnson by submission in the third round.