Khabib Nurmagomedov became an undefeated 29-0 king and Hall of Famer in the UFC, but what if he were not a UFC legend and decided to do something else? What if he were a soccer legend instead! Surprised? Given his passion for the sport, he probably could have very well made a career in soccer. ‘The Eagle’ confessed to being a soccer fan and said he became a fighter by ‘accident’!
While speaking to Match TV, he had said, “To play football [soccer] on a professional level is a childhood dream. Of course, I have such a wish. Football is the king of sports after all. Who haven’t I discussed this with? I’ve spoken even with the UEFA president, Aleksandr Ceferin, with the owner of PSG, yes, and even with Cristiano Ronaldo.”
He is such a great fan that he did not forget to wish legendary Brazilian player Roberto Carlos on his birthday (10th April). He posted a story and remembered his late father as well, writing, “1998, 2000, and 2002 3 Champions Leagues, and I remember watching it all like yesterday with my father. My father’s favorite was tied. The two extreme defenders who terrorized opponents with their attacks.”
He reminisced about the days when he used to watch soccer with his late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ was lucky enough to meet the legendary Brazilian soccer star and shared a picture of him hugging the FIFA World Cup winner.
Nurmagomedov is a huge fan of Anzhi Makhachkala, Galatasaray, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and the Russian national team. This admiration also extends to the Brazilian 2002 FIFA World Cup team. He has previously posted comparing himself to the legendary Ronaldo and now meeting another legend.
January 27, 2022, MIAMI, FL, Miami, Florida, United States: MIAMI, FL- JANUARY 27: Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks with the press during the Eagle FC 44 – Spong vs Kharitonov event at FLX Cast Arena on January 27, 2022 in MIAMI, FL, United States. MIAMI, FL United States – ZUMAp175 20220127_zsa_p175_049 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
Speaking about his childhood dream of becoming a soccer player, Khabib said, “Football for me is the no.1 sport. I dreamed of becoming a football player when I was little. Watching it all the time. Football is better, you don’t have to kick people to hurt them. You just go out in the field and show what a great player and professional you are. That’s also a hardworking sport. I just like football more. More than UFC or MMA.”
But make no mistake. The path that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov chartered for his son had Nurmagomedov Jr.’s future be cemented in combat sports. From training in wrestling and competing in combat sambo, and then MMA; Khabib Nurmagomedov was always meant to be a mixed martial artists. Suffice to say, ‘The Eagle’ has his share of role models in MMA. Let’s take a look at those.
Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed his role models in MMA
Recently, old footage of the former UFC lightweight champion did the rounds on the internet where he spoke about his role models. In this video from 2011, the 22-year-old Khabib was speaking to students of DSU and shared his admiration for two legends.
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.” Fedor Emelianenko and Shamil Zavurov, represent both global and local influences that inspired Khabib Nurmagomedov into the undefeated champion he is today. When asked about his career and what profession he would choose, he said, “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.”
’The Last Emperor,’ aka Fedor Emelianenko, is hugely considered one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history. His resume in PRIDE FC during the 2000s, along with his technical prowess in sambo and judo, made him an icon in the sport. On the other hand Shamil Zavurov was 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 for Khabib.
Whether soccer or MMA—’The Eagle’ was destined to be an athlete. What do you think about his inspirations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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