Not here! Islam Makhachev disagrees with psychologists and doesn't rule out spanking when raising children.

A. Nurmagomedov (left) was responsible for the successes of I. Makhachev (center) and K. Nurmagomedov. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Born and raised in the mountains of Dagestan, Islam makhachev He reached the top of MMA through years of hard work. Mentored by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib's father, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) learned the value of discipline from an early age, which he intends to pass on to his children. In an interview with the UFC, the Russian criticized certain schools of thought in psychology and stated that he will replicate the education he received in childhood with his descendants.

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According to the fighter, a strict and disciplined upbringing was the main reason behind both his success and his disciplined upbringing. Khabib Nurmagomedov as well as Makhachev himself.

“I will be as strict with my children as my father was with me. Nowadays, these psychologists say you shouldn't yell at a child. That you can't spank them. They say it harms their psychological well-being. Do Khabib and I have psychological problems? Our parents were very strict. It's the opposite that happened to us,” stated the fighter, who has a daughter and two sons.

Islam makhachev on how he's going to raise his kids:

"I'll be just as strict with my kids as my father was with me. Nowadays these psychologists say you shouldn't yell at a kid. That you can't slap them on the backside. They say it damages their psyche.

Are Khabib and I… pic.twitter.com/RlyHaZIGiq

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 5, 2025

What does psychology say?

In fact, many psychology professionals strongly condemn the practice of some parents abusing their children. In 2021, a study conducted A study by Harvard University concluded that spanking episodes can affect a child's brain development in a similar way to certain more severe forms of violence, due to a greater neural response in regions of the prefrontal cortex linked to threat detection.

In Brazil, the Statute of Children and Adolescents (ECA), in articles 18-A and 18-B, expressly prohibits the use of physical punishment as a form of education.

"Children and adolescents have the right to be educated and cared for without the use of physical punishment or cruel or degrading treatment as forms of correction, discipline, education, or any other pretext, by parents, extended family members, guardians, public agents executing socio-educational measures, or any person in charge of caring for, treating, educating, or protecting them," says Article 18-A.