Russian fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most renowned and dominant figures in mixed martial arts (MMA) history. With a perfect score of 29-0, The Eagle officially retired from UFC at the age of 32. However, this is not all about Nurmagomedov as very few know about his only loss that completely changed his life.
In 2003, he was only 17 competing in judo and sambo. During that time he fought and suffered a loss against Magomed Ibragimov in a Russian Combat Sambo final. The fight was intense and both threw intense punches and kicks but Nurmagomedov faced his first defeat.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Training
Birth and Background
On September 20, 1988, Khabib Nurmagomedov was born in the remote village of Sildi, Dagestan, Russia. He was raised by Avar family, popularly known for fighting for their honour and their warrior spirit. He developed his fighting skills early in the mountainous terrain of Dagestan.
Father’s Influence
His father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was a decorated combat sambo coach. Being a part of veteran Soviet military discipline and he taught his son to fight for honour. Since childhood, he saw potential in his son and crafted his skills to make him the best fighter of the world. His father’s strict discipline routine transformed Khabib into a fighter with unmatched mental and physical fortitude.
Childhood Training
Khabib started training at a very young age of 8 under his father’s strict schedule. His father transformed the home into a gym to ensure proper and rigorous training for Khabib. He even made him fight with a bear when he was 9 to make him mentally tough along with physical training. After being introduced to judo and combat sambo he worked on his grappling, grips and pouches techniques that eventually played a key role in UFC matches.
Transition to Martial Arts
Though the former lightweight champion was an exceptional wrestler and his style is fit for MMA. Judo and combat sambo demanded different sets of skills and presented new challenges for him. His dad ensured his son mastered the art of adapting to different combat styles. With his technical grappling and ground attacks, he relentlessly dominated his opponents in sambo as well as in UFC.
The Defining Loss
Combat Sambo Championship (2003)
In 2003, He reached the finals of the prestigious combat sambo championship. Where he fought against Magomed Ibragimov, who earned bronze medals at the 2016 Olympics and 2018 Asian games. The fight was intense and at the end Khabib tasted defeat.
Impact of loss at Combat Sambo championship
Right after the match he broke down and was consoled by Ibragimov but this loss completely changed his life. Khabib famously stated:
“When I lose, it’s very motivational.”
The loss motivated him and he worked upon his skills and over time refined grappling and striking techniques to never experience such a setback again.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Rise in MMA
Early Career
In 2008, Khabib made his professional MMA debut in Russia. In his debut year, he secured four wins within a month without a single loss. He further dominated in other MMA organisations like M-1 Global with his grappling and ground-and-pound techniques. When he reached a score of 16-0, MMA noticed him and he signed with UFC, setting the stage for his global dominance.
Combat Sambo Achievements
Khabib became a two-time world champion in the combat sambo world championship. He won the championship in 2009 and defended the title in 2010. His Dagestani and Russian National Championship win solidified his reputation as an elite martial artist.
UFC Dominance
Entry into UFC (2012)
After years of hardwork and an impressive record, he finally signed with UFC in 2012. With his control over the game and grappling expertise he showed his dominance in the UFC arena. He knocked down every opponent who came in front of him and smashed deceive punches that were unmatched for opponents to neutralize.
Notable Victories
Conor McGregor (UFC 229): The fight completely changed the UFC environment and made it globally popular. UFC 229 fight between Conor and Khabib is considered as the biggest fights in UFC history. Khabib showed his class and continued his undefeated reign by submitting McGregor via neck crank. The fight lasted for four rounds and silenced all the critics who questioned the Dagestani.
Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje: Beating both these superstars opened the new gate for Khabib and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history. First he dominated Poirier at UFC 242 by giving him rear-naked choke submission and then choked Justin at UFC 254 with his triangle choke submission.
Record Highlights
- Lost only two rounds in his entire UFC career. One against Conor McGregor and another one against Gaethje in the first round of his last fight.
- Longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion (April 2018–March 2021).
- Defeated three interim champions during his reign.
Retirement and Legacy
Khabib decided to retire from MMA after his win over Justin Gaethje in UFC 254. The decision came suddenly due to his father’s tragic passing due to COVID-19. After his final fight he made a promise to his mother not to fight without his father. With an Undisputed 29-0 record, The Eagle was inducted in 2022, UFC Hall of Fame.
Post-Retirement Contributions
After having an undisputed 29-0 record, Now he started working as a mentor at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). Along with that established his own academy, Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC) to shape the future of next generation fighters. Islam Makhachev also trained under Khabib and now is dominating the UFC lightweight division. He is the lightweight champion showing the domination of Dagestani fighters in MMA.
Impact Beyond Fighting
Apart from his fighting career he heightened the UFC’s reach to a global level. Many people about UFC after his fight against Conor McGrecor. He is a global role model and inspires athletes with his dedication and disciplined lifestyle. He represents the values of humility, discipline, and perseverance.
Conclusion
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s rare combat sambo loss was not a setback but an opportunity to achieve big goals in his life. Khabib proved his extreme resilience by defeating the best of the best and claimed the record of 29-0 in MMA. It shows his mindset and never give up attitude to achieve big things in life.
Reddaveni Saisneha 
Aditya Khare