Midnight Mania: Khabib Stressed, Pressured By Coaching Role

12/25/2024 12:00 AM

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Khabib Nurmagomedov is undeniably a massive success in mixed martial arts (MMA), but it has never felt like the retired UFC champion particularly enjoyed fighting.

In the cage, "The Eagle" was incredibly dominant, hardly losing a round as he climbed the ranks, captured the Lightweight belt, and defended his crown three times. He retired on top and quickly transitioned to a coaching role, immediately finding success in taking over his father's role as team patriarch. The Nurmagomedov fight team quickly began picking up world titles, including Islam Makhachev essentially inheriting Khabib's former throne.

Even in coaching, however, Nurmagomedov has been visibly stressed on more than one occasion while watching his athletes from afar or in the corner. At one point, he even tried to walk away from the sport entirely, though it didn't stick. When it was announced that his team mates Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov would be competing back-to-back for UFC titles, Khabib wasn't exactly thrilled about the opportunity.

Speaking with Demetrious Johnson recently, Nurmagomedov confessed that while he doesn't enjoy coaching or the stress involved, he feels an obligation to assist.

"I don't like [coaching] but I have to be here," Khabib explained (via Home of Fight). "It's gonna be a very big night for us on UFC 311, with Tagir [Ulanbekov], Umar for the title and Islam defends his belt. I cannot be home, I have to be here, but I don't like this."

Like it or not, Nurmagomedov is committed to his corner work. If he can coach this generation of champions a bit longer, perhaps someone else can take over when their own time at the top is over?

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