K. Nurmagomedov and his Ukrainian uncle (Photo: Instagram)
Former UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) and considered one of the greatest names in the organization's history, Khabib Nurmagomedov He took the name and flag of Russia to the top of the MMA world for many years and built a good relationship with President Vladimir Putin. Almost, however, the story was no different and the flag carried by the fighter was no different: precisely that of Ukraine, a country that is suffering from the Russian invasion that began last week.
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In an interview given in 2018 to the Ukrainian newspaper “Sport-Express”, Alex Nurmagomedov, the former champion's uncle, revealed that the family tried several times to obtain Ukrainian citizenship for Khabib, but without success.
“We did our utmost to obtain Ukrainian citizenship for Khabib. We value, love and respect Ukraine and its people. There is no better nation. They say home is where you were born, but for me it's where I feel good. We planned for Khabib to compete for Ukraine, but we couldn't. Khabib was offended by the refusal. He asked me why they didn't give him his passport and I said I didn't know why and I couldn't do anything about it,” Khabib's uncle revealed.
Birthplace in Russia, roots in Ukraine
Khabib's father and mentor, A. Nurmagomedov represented the colors of Ukraine (Photo: Reproduction)
Born in Makhachkala, capital of the Republic of Dagestan, in southwestern Russia, Khabib Nurmagomedov has close ties with Ukraine. To better understand this relationship, it is necessary to break down the fighter's family tree a little.
Father and mentor of the former champion, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov finished his studies in Poltava, a Ukrainian city and began his career in martial arts representing the country, where he was champion in judo and sambo.
Khabib's uncles, Abdulmanap's two brothers, Alex Nurmagomedov and Nurmagomedov Nurmagomedov, have lived in Ukraine since the early 80s. The latter was also a sambo and judo champion coached by Abdulmanap and representing the Ukrainian national team.
Ukrainian Bad Boy?
K. Nurmagomedov began his career in MMA in Ukraine (Photo: Reproduction)
The beginning of the trajectory of Khabib Nurmagomedov in MMA there was also Ukraine as a stage. The fighter's professional debut, held in September 2008, took place in the city of Poltava and was promoted by the Combat Sambo Federation of Ukraine. On that occasion, Khabib defeated Vusal Vayramov via submission in the first round.
In a video published by a “Reddit” user, it is possible to see Khabib Nurmagomedov being presented as a representative of Ukraine in an ancient struggle. Although the video does not make it clear which fight it is, it is possible to identify that it took place at the Russian “ProFC” event, where Khabib competed six fights in 2011, before signing with the UFC. Another curiosity revealed by video is the account of the nickname “Bad Boy” used by the athlete at the time and later replaced by “The Eagle”.
Khabib Nurmagomedov He gained respect and recognition worldwide representing the colors of Russia. On the other hand, she has roots and family on Ukrainian soil. Perhaps that's why the fighter has not yet spoken out publicly regarding the recent conflict between the countries.
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