Khabib Nurmagomedov is settling in well with his new role as coach. The former lightweight champion has been plying his trade as a full time coach and sparring partner for his cousins and fellow Russian fighters.
Recently, Khabib was present in the corners of Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov. Islam and Usman both competed in the UFC and Bellator MMA respectively. Interestingly, Khabib is undefeated as a coach till now.
Khabib’s trainer, Javier Mendez speaks highly of the Dagestani eagle’s coaching ability “In all seriousness, that guy can coach”
Javier insists that Khabib’s progress now restricts the former trainer to a mentor rather than a coach. However, he can find satisfaction in the work Khabib is doing with his fellow Russians as well as the fighters from AKA academy.
“He loves coaching. He’s taken over his father’s legacy,” said Mendez. Javier explains that Khabib is coaching “for the right reasons”.
Khabib looks forward to continue the legacy his late father left off. Abdulmanap was a judo and sambo fighting style coach. He passed away due to COVID-related complications in early 2020.
After his dad passed away, Khabib made a promise to his mother not to fight again. His third and final title defense was against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Following that, Khabib announced his retirement and has only appeared ringside ever since.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and His New Role
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from the UFC as Lightweight Champion with an undefeated 29-0 record. He vacated his title after successfully defending for the third time. He won his last fight against Justin Gaethje via submission.
Following that Khabib has been spotted in the camps of his fellow native fighters. As a result, many have been speculating a possible shift in roles for the Russian. Moreover, it seems that he has already taken up this role for his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov.
UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (L) and Usman Nurmagomedov at Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov Memory Tournament. (Credits: Getty Images)
Before his fight against Mike Hamel, Usman revealed in an interview how Khabib has been a mentor for him. The two brothers were inseparable since they were young. Leading up to Usman’s fight, the duo would train regularly.
With a new generation of Russian MMA fighters coming up, Khabib could be playing a key role in their success. Furthermore, he is the most qualified for the task. As it stands, fans of the former UFC champ will be thoroughly excited, to see their favorite fighter excel in his new role.
