Khabib comes to Uzbekistan

Former undisputed UFC champion and mixed martial arts star Khabib Nurmagomedov has arrived in Tashkent at the invitation of the Uzbekistan Mixed Martial Arts Association. The news was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

During his visit, Khabib became acquainted with the activities of the Association’s central office, located at the ’’Jar’’ sports complex. At the venue, the renowned athlete was welcomed by Aziz Toshpulatov, Minister of Internal Affairs and Chairman of the Uzbekistan Mixed Martial Arts Association; Otabek Umarov, First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia; as well as the leadership of the Association, coaches of the national team, and athletes.

During his visit, Khabib familiarized himself with the development of mixed martial arts in Uzbekistan, the training process of athletes, and the country’s sports infrastructure. At a meeting with athletes, he shared recommendations based on his personal experience and emphasized the high sporting potential of Uzbekistan:

’’Today, Uzbekistan is recognized as a leading country in boxing, winning the highest number of gold medals in the world. I believe that if proper conditions and guidance are provided to young Uzbeks in other sports, particularly in mixed martial arts, they will soon become leading athletes on the global stage,’’ Nurmagomedov said during the meeting.

Khabib also delivered motivational remarks to young athletes, encouraging them to stay determined and hardworking in their sporting careers.

The 36-year-old Nurmagomedov ended his UFC career in 2020 after defeating American fighter Justin Gaethje. Throughout his UFC career, Khabib recorded 29 victories without a single loss. Until recently, he also served as a coach for several fighters from his team.

Diyor Toshpulatov