Khabib apologizes for underestimating Cape Town as fans go wild for the superstar
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was sincere in his approach and apologized for his naivety after spending a few days in Cape Town this week.
The global sporting superstar and now retired athlete, who was renowned for dominating athletes with his elite wrestling and grappling skills, flew into Mzansi to coach two of his Russian athletes, Akhmed Magomedov and Artur Zaynukov, both competing on the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai card that formed part of the inaugural and groundbreaking PFL Africa event launched at the Grand Arena in Cape Town last night.
Ahead of his athletes' fights, Nurmagomedov and his team travelled around the Western Cape and, by the looks of it, checked into the Aquila Private Game Reserve for a few nights to experience the natural beauty and wildlife on offer in Mzansi.
In the lead-up to Zaynukov's fight against Japan's Takeshi Izumi, Khabib and his fellow coaches made their way to the PFL Smart Cage.
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The sight of the man was received with a thunderous roar as a 'Khabib! Khabib! Khabib!' reverberated throughout the Grand Arena hall and could even be heard in the Grand West Casino halls.
Following Zaynukov's win over Japan's Takeshi Izumi, Khabib entered the cage to help translate for his Dagestani fighter before sharing some of his thoughts about Cape Town and South Africa.
The moment Khabib - popularly known for dominating former two-division UFC champion and global star Conor McGregor - opened his mouth, his words were drowned out by fans who could not contain their excitement. Eventually, the crowd quietened down to allow the man to speak.
'I am going to be honest, I underestimated Cape Town,' said Khabib, not only noting the fans' passion and love for MMA, but also the picturesque sights and sounds of the Rainbow Nation.
'This is a very beautiful city, with a beautiful ocean, beautiful mountains, and we would love to come back. Thank you so much, guys. We appreciate you,' he added.
It was not Magomedov's night as he was outclassed by his American opponent and Featherweight great, AJ McKee, who put on a master class of MMA.
The Professional Fighters League's African tournament includes four events across Africa this year. This newly launched franchise forms part of PFL's global expansion plan, and this year's competition will feature 32 fighters from 15 African nations, all chasing PFL gold (in four divisions) and an opportunity to open bigger doors within the PFL business model.
This weekend saw the PFL Africa roll out the first round of the Bantamweight and Heavyweight divisions. Next month, on August 9 at Carnival City in Johannesburg, the Featherweights and Welterweights will compete for the shot at the PFL Africa gold.
PFL Champions Series Road to Dubai: Cape Town Results:
Costello van Steenis (17-3) def. Johnny Eblen (16-1) via submission (rear naked choke) at 4:51 of round five
Dakota Ditcheva (15-0) def. Sumiko Inaba (8-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-24)
AJ McKee (23-2) def. Akhmed Magomedov (11-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Artur Zaynukov (16-4) def. Takeshi Izumi (6-4) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Corey Anderson (19-6, 1 NC) def. Denis Goltsov (36-9) via TKO (strikes) at 3:28 of round two
2025 PFL Africa Cape Town First Round Results:
Nkosi Ndebele (9-3) def. Mahmoud Atef (5-3) via TKO (strikes) at 4:50 of round one
Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) def. Mickael Groguhe (6-3) via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-25)
Boule Godogo (4-0) def. Shannon van Tonder (7-3) via split decision (30-26, 29-27, 28-29)
Justin Clarke (3-0) def. Jashell Ticha Awa (3-2) via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of round one
Karim Henniene (5-0) def. Asiashu Tshitamba (6-5) via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
Joffie Houlton (8-4) def. Abdoulaye Kane (3-1) via DQ (Illegal Knee) at 0:40 of round one
Simbarashe Hokonya (6-0) def. Frans Mlambo (15-7) via unanimous decision (30-26 x2, 30-25)
Abraham Bably (6-2) def. Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze (8-6) via KO (punch) at 4:59 of round one
Juliet Ukah (7-0) def. Ceileigh Niedermayr (3-3) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
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