Khabib Nurmagomedov is a retired Russian professional mixed martial artist, best known for his undefeated record and for holding the UFC Lightweight Championship title. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in the history of the sport.
Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born on September 20, 1988, in the village of Sildi, located in the Tsumadinsky District of Dagestan, Russia, then part of the Soviet Union. Raised in a Avar Muslim household, Khabib moved with his family to the state capital Makhachkala and later to the village of Kirovaul. There, his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who was a respected combat sports coach and former champion in Judo and Sambo, converted the ground floor of their home into a training gym. Local students frequently trained there, and it was in this environment that Khabib's interest in martial arts became deeply rooted.
He grew up with his older brother, Magomed, and younger sister, Amina. Under his father's disciplined instruction, Khabib began wrestling at the age of six. By age 15, he transitioned to Judo, and by 17, he was actively training in Combat Sambo, in line with his father's vision for him to develop skills in a traditional gi. During his youth, Khabib sometimes found himself involved in street altercations, but he ultimately redirected his focus toward becoming a professional mixed martial artist.
Khabib Nurmagomedov entered the UFC in late 2011 with a multi-fight contract in the lightweight division. He made his debut on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX 1, securing a victory over Kamal Shalorus via submission. Demonstrating a uniquely dominant grappling style, he quickly rose through the ranks with an undefeated record.
On April 7, 2018, Khabib captured the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship after defeating Al Iaquinta at UFC 223. The victory was decisive, with Khabib controlling most of the five-round bout. He successfully defended his title on October 6, 2018, against former two-division champion Conor McGregor at UFC 229. The event was one of the most heavily promoted in UFC history, and Khabib won via fourth-round submission. The bout's aftermath was marred by a post-fight altercation involving both camps, which led to suspensions and fines by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
He continued his dominance by defending the lightweight title on September 7, 2019, at UFC 242 against interim champion Dustin Poirier. Khabib once again proved his superiority with a third-round submission via rear-naked choke, showcasing his exceptional grappling and ground control abilities.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a devoted family man. He married in June 2013, though he has kept the identity of his wife private in accordance with his cultural and religious beliefs. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on June 1, 2015. Their son was born on December 30, 2017—the same night that Khabib defeated Edson Barboza at UFC 219.
Maintaining a strong sense of faith, Khabib is a practicing Muslim, and his personal beliefs and dedication to family play significant roles in his life. He retired from professional MMA in October 2020, following a title-defense win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, honoring a promise he made to his mother after the death of his father earlier that year.
| Birth Date: | 20 Sep, 1988 |
| Age: | 32 yrs |
| Occupations: | Mixed martial artist Amateur wrestler Judoka |
| Citizenship: | Soviet Union Russia |
| Birth Place: | Sildi |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Russian professional mixed martial artist |
| Net Worth 2021: | 40 million |
