Abdulmanap's faithful disciple, Khabib surprises by revealing his father's favorite fighter

Abdulmanap and Khabib Nurmagomedov in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

An important name for Russian MMA, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib's father and coach, had a reference in the sport that did not belong to his country. In conversation with your friend, Daniel Cormier, the former UFC champion surprised by revealing his mentor's favorite fighter, who passed away in July 2020.

See too

Khamzat Chimaev challenges Brock Lesnar, Georges St-Pierre and Daniel Cormier on social media

With two fights in his contract, Conor McGregor guarantees that he will do a trilogy against Nate Diaz

Former UFC champion, Rampage confirms he refused 'Hall of Fame' and says: 'Honor me with a check'

Run over by Glover, Blachowicz analyzes the fight and points out a possible opponent to return to the octagon

Ex-TUF, veteran is sentenced to almost 8 years in prison for drug trafficking

“I used to watch GSP (Georges St-Pierre) fights with my father. My dad watched it all the time. I believe he was his favorite. He (Abdulmanap) said: 'See how he uses his falls, his elbows, his waist, how he is standing, in the ground and pound with elbows. He (St-Pierre) taught me about ground and pound,” Khabib said.

During his reign as UFC lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov never hid his desire to test himself against the Canadian. Abdulmanap's death, however, interrupted the desire and caused the Russian to retire from MMA early.

At 40 years old and even though he is not officially retired, St-Pierre has not fought professionally for four years. In his last clash, the athlete resumed his career after a four-year hiatus and managed to win the middleweight title (up to 83,9kg) – his belt with the Ultimate gloves. After the victory over Michael Bisping, the athlete once again moved away from the sport.

Considered one of the best lightweights of all time, Khabib hung up his gloves with a perfect trajectory in mixed martial arts. The athlete left the UFC as champion and without losing in 29 appearances in the sport.