Photo: Getty Images
Khabib Nurmagomedov Denounces Brutal Attack in Dagestan
Mixed Martial Arts legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly condemned a brutal attack in his homeland of Dagestan, Russia. The incident, which occurred near his family home, involved multiple coordinated attacks that left at least 20 people dead and nearly 50 injured.
A Heartbreaking Incident
Ghadzimurad Kagirov, a former trainee at Khabib's gym, was one of the perpetrators of the attack. "This is inhumane," said the retired UFC champion. "Going to a church and killing someone just because they practice a different religion? Do I really need to condemn this? Isn't it obvious that it's a brutal and inhumane act?" Khabib emphasized the diversity of Dagestan, where over 30 nationalities coexist, predominantly practicing Islam, but also including Jews and Christians.
"They killed people five minutes from my house. How can this be normal? My kids live there, my mother lives there, my family, my brother, other relatives are five minutes from that place. I spent the whole night receiving calls," Khabib lamented.
A Denial of Allegations
Khabib also addressed suspicions about his alleged links to armed groups and terrorists. "He was not our student, that's absurd, it's not true," he said about Kagirov, who was killed by the police. "Yes, he was at a camp in the gym at some point, maybe a couple of months, but he was never part of the team."
Social Media Reaction
Conor McGregor, Khabib's long-time rival, added fuel to the fire with a simple #Conorwasright tweet, recalling his past accusations against Khabib's coach, labeling him a "terrorist rat." Eagles MMA, the organization briefly associated with Kagirov, was founded in 2016 by Khabib and Russian oligarch Ziyavudin Magomedov to train future Russian champions in mixed martial arts. The project has produced notable successes such as Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, and Khabib's cousins, Usman and Umar.
The Future of Eagles MMA
The Eagles MMA project later expanded to form the Eagle Fighting Championship, now a leading MMA promotion in Russia and a primary source of income for Khabib. The recent events cast a shadow over the gym's reputation, but Khabib remains steadfast in his mission to promote sportsmanship and unity through mixed martial arts.
Editor: Yana Davydiuk
MMA
UFC's 'Night in Riyadh Season': A Groundbreaking Event in Las VegasMMA
UFC 303: Pereira vs. Prochazka Rematch Headlines Shuffled CardMMA
Daniel Cormier's Bold Statement Questions UFC's Focus on Top FightersMMA
Alex Pereira Steps Up Again as UFC's New Star at UFC 303MMA
Arman Tsarukyan Suspended for Nine Months After Fan Altercation at UFC 300MMA
Topuria vs. Holloway Featherweight Title Bout Moved to UFC 307 in Salt Lake CityMMA
Robert Whittaker's Victory Over Ikram Aliskerov in Saudi Arabia: A Turning PointMMA
Conor McGregor Withdraws from UFC 303 Due to Toe Injury: What’s Next for the Notorious?MMA
Ikram Aliskerov Reflects on UFC Defeat: "No Excuses, Big Experience"MMA
UFC 303: Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka Light Heavyweight Title Rematch This SaturdayMMA
Dramatic Mix-Up in the Ring: Fighter Mistakes Referee for Opponent