Khabib opens up about his religion: "Some people don't like this"

Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t concern himself with what others think of him or his religion.

“The Eagle” Khabib is a devout Muslim, with religion playing a big part in his life. After each fight, Khabib took the opportunity to thank God for his success. Ramadan, a holy month of fasting for Muslims, also impacted his career and fight schedule, since Khabib was forced to plan his training camps around the month. However, Khabib would have it no other way. He believes that Islam has helped make him into a better person, which is why he doesn’t care if some fans react in a negative way as a result of his beliefs.

In a new video on his YouTube channel, “The Eagle” discusses, among other things, the role that religion has played in his life. The video is part of a planned series meant to show the undefeated UFC legend’s journey from unknown fighter, to world champion, to superstar, and finally coach for fighters such as Islam Makhachev.

“A lot of people, they little bit shy to show they are Muslim,” Khabib said. “Some people don’t like this, but who cares? My religion teach this to me: to be a nice person, to be a good man, to be a good family man. You know, like, to be good neighbour, to be good friend. This is only because of my religion. Because of my faith, you know. And everybody have their own way but I choose to show this. To show this, to represent this and to be proud of this.”

Although Khabib is more than willing to discuss his faith when asked, or when discussing himself or those close to him, he isn’t interested in converting anyone else to Islam. When previously asked whether he has ever attempted to convert the soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, a friend of his, Khabib said the following:

“No, like Ronaldo, he all the time say, ‘Salam alaykum,’ ‘inshallah,’ like this, you know. Like, he understand religion. I think he believe his religion, I believe my religion. You know, it’s like when I meet people I never talk with people, ‘Hey, what religion you have?’ You know, because this is not good example for being Muslim and I never talk with people about their religion, why they believe. You know, they believe, this is their own decision. You know, it’s like, no I never talk with him about this.”