What do you do after defeating your biggest rival, going unbeaten, and earning more money than you’ll probably ever spend? If you’re Khabib Nurmagomedov, you fly home, disappear into the mountains of Dagestan, and build something that can withstand the noise. And just when it seemed like Conor McGregor had faded from Nurmagomedov’s world, a recent social media story reintroduced the rivalry back into the conversation. But this time, ‘The Eagle’ didn’t need to say anything. His manager did it for him instead.
It all started with Nurmagomedov’s emotional Instagram story, which was then reported in a post by the MMA page BlackBeltMMA, and the first image alone was enough to create headlines—a photo of Conor McGregor mid-beatdown, receiving a strike from the 2018 grudge bout. Swipe right to reveal something completely different: a panoramic view of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s newly constructed training facility in his hometown in Dagestan.
The former lightweight champion’s longtime manager, Ali Abdelaziz, shared the post on his own story. No caption or emoji, just the punch and pride. It was more than simply a flex on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s win and the new facility. This training camp has origins dating back to his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
It was his desire to create something world-class in an unassuming location. Now, with the Dagestani fighter’s $40 million riches and his unrivaled vision for the future of Dagestani MMA, that dream stands tall beside a river in the mountains.
“I flew over to America, became part of the biggest rivalry in the history of combat sports. Beat someone I didn’t like, and they also paid me for it,” ‘The Eagle’ wrote in Russian on his Instagram story. “And after coming back to my homeland invested [that money] in this beautiful place in Dagestan… My lifetime still won’t be enough to recoup this investment, but it was never my goal. And it’s not. The goal was different.”
MMA: UFC 229-Nurmagomedov vs McGregor, Oct 6, 2018 Las Vegas, NV, USA Khabib Nurmagomedov red gloves fights Conor McGregor blue gloves during UFC 229 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports, 06.10.2018 21:59:59, 11394153, NPStrans, T-Mobile Arena, Khabib Nurmagomedov, wow, MMA, TopPic, Conor McGregor PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 11394153
There’s a reason Khabib Nurmagomedov’s words hit differently now. With Islam Makhachev thriving as a UFC fighter and his father’s history intertwined into every inch of this new center, ‘The Eagle’ is redefining what it means to retire from combat sports. He purchased a promotion (Eagle FC), mentored a generation, and is now physically building his future from the ground up—stone by stone, mat by mat.
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is still tweeting, fighting injuries, and waiting for a comeback that may never compare to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s, which he accomplished without throwing another punch. In fact, ‘The Eagle’ isn’t done yet, as he is still expanding on his and his father’s dream, this time with Malaysia in his sights.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is planning to bring his expertise to Malaysia
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s story may have begun in the hills of Dagestan, but it does not stop there. After constructing a fortress of discipline in Sildi, the 29-0 legend is turning his attention to Malaysia, a country known more for food and football than fighting. And, while some may still be trying to figure out the former lightweight champion’s long game, it becomes clear with each move that this isn’t just about gyms. It’s all about legacy, geography, and influence.
In October, ‘The Eagle’ secretly arrived in Johor and met with Regent Tunku Makhota Ismail. On the surface, it was about “youth development,” but the end result was anything but surface-level. A new gym has been confirmed, potentially causing a seismic shift in Malaysia’s combat sports industry.
Local hero Melvin Yeoh, a former boxer turned coach, couldn’t contain his excitement. “If you are really into MMA, especially one who is building up grassroots [talent], you should be excited and very eager to see what it will bring to the local community,” he said. If history has taught us anything about Khabib Nurmagomedov, it’s that he builds things to last. Of course, in most nations, MMA does not just grow on its own.
It requires the right kind of seed. And if ‘The Eagle’ plants one in Johor, there is a significant possibility it will develop deep roots. For a country where soccer still reigns supreme, this is more than just a gym; it’s a statement. A message that the same hands that formerly held championship gold are now reaching across borders to influence the future. What do you think? Will Nurmagomedov bring an MMA revolution to Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.
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