MMA is a sport of discipline and honor. But some people overlook that and embrace the violent aspect of it. The same is the case with life itself. But some fighters take violence and hatred to a vile level. This was the case with the recent attack in Dagestan. One of the gunmen killed was allegedly connected to UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The news was reported by Karim Zidan for Sports Politika. Gadzhimurad Kagirov, a 28-year-old MMA fighter, was among the militants slain. He had trained in MMA under Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The attack in Dagestan targeted churches and synagogues in two cities in Dagestan. It left at least 15 law enforcement officers dead and an unclear number of civilians.
The young fighter had a promising 2-0 record in professional MMA. He represented Khabib’s Eagle MMA fight club, adding to the surreal nature of the situation. Ironically, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had advocated using sports to combat extremism. He saw martial arts as a way to steer youth away from fundamentalism.
Gadzhimurad Kagirov, a MMA fighter affiliated to UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov and his late father Abdulmanap, was among the militants killed following a terror attack in Dagestan.
For @SportsPolitika: https://t.co/zcnxVD5xYa
— Karim Zidan 🕊️ (@ZidanSports) June 24, 2024
Khabib Nurmagomedov, known for his dominance in the octagon, now faces a different fight. He must grapple with the implications of this connection to his father’s legacy. However, this does not mean the Nurmagomedov family had any connections to the terror attack. The former UFC champion took to social media to address the attack. In the end, this tragedy transcends sports. It’s a human story of choices, consequences, and lost potential.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s connection to world leaders
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fists have always packed a punch. But lately, his handshakes are making waves too. The former UFC champion has made several political connections in his dominant 29-0 career. He has been in contact with many leaders throughout the world.
Khabib Nurmagomedov with Vladimir Putin (via Imago)Khabib is a well-known celebrity from Russia to the Middle East. As such, he has his fair share of meetings with world leaders. His first meeting with a top world leader, Russian President Vladimir Putin came after he defeated Conor McGregor. They discussed more than just Khabib’s victory over Conor McGregor.
Next up, Chechnya’s leader Ramzan Kadyrov rolled out the red carpet. Khabib was left with an honorary citizenship and a brand-new Mercedes. Khabib also had some run-ins with the chairman of Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority Sheikh Diab Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also got in on the action. He shook hands with Khabib at Istanbul’s new airport opening.
Nurmagomedov recently was seen talking to former US President Donald Trump at the UFC 302 event in the US. He talked to him about stopping the ongoing war in Palestine. The duo shook hands and the former president agreed with Nurmagomedov about the conflict. Nurmagomedov is a sports icon. As such, his global popularity makes him an attractive ally.
