Latest news with #KhabibNurmagomedov
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Khabib Nurmagomedov was removed from Frontier airlines flight because of THIS Pakistani restaurant in San Francisco
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, made headlines earlier this year when he was removed from a Frontier Airlines flight. The incident, which occurred in January, quickly went viral after videos emerged showing the fighter being deplaned by security. However, the reason behind Khabib's flight and subsequent removal has now come to light. Read: In a recent appearance on YouTuber Adam Zubayraev 'Hustle Show' podcast, Khabib explained that the primary motivation taking the flight was to visit his favourite Pakistani restaurant, Chutney, in San Francisco. The restaurant's 10 pm closing time was fast approaching, and the UFC Hall of Famer needed to make it in time. The only available flight was a 5 pm departure from Las Vegas to San Francisco, operated by Frontier Airlines. Despite the flight being in economy, Khabib chose to board the flight as it was the only remainig option. The issue arose when cabin crew asked Khabib to move from his exit row seat, citing concerns over his ability to operate the emergency exit door. In the viral videos, Khabib was heard telling the flight attendants, "I know the language, I know how to help." Despite his efforts to explain, the situation escalated, and Khabib was escorted off the plane. Read more: The incident sparked controversy, with some accusing the flight crew of being disrespectful and others questioning the motivations behind their actions. Khabib, however, characterised the exchange as rude but insisted he had no intentions of continuing the dispute. In a lighter moment, Khabib revealed that his love for food played a big role in his decision to take the flight. Describing himself as a foodie, Khabib said he had been visiting Chutney since 2012 and was determined to make it in time for a meal. His passion for good food, particularly Pakistani cuisine, was the driving force behind the trip. While Khabib's flight experience ended in an unexpected manner, it also highlighted a more personal side of the champion, with his focus on enjoying a meal, rather than his usual focus on the spotlight or sport.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Khabib Nurmagomedov shuts door on UFC return with honest message about fight life
Khabib Nurmagomedov shuts door on UFC return with honest message about fight life (Image Via Google) Although it has been nearly five years since Khabib Nurmagomedov's last battle, the unbeaten UFC great still has followers hoping he may return to the cage. Following a strong victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020, the Russian superstar stopped down. At 32, he was at his height. Since then, talk of a comeback has never gone away. But now, after a recent interview on July 27, 2025, Khabib has made it clearer than ever why stepping back into the Octagon is no longer possible for him. Khabib Nurmagomedov says very long training needed for return Speaking on The Hustle Show in an interview aired on July 27, 2025, Khabib Nurmagomedov explained that a return to fighting would take much more than a few weeks of practice. He said, 'Two or three months wouldn't be enough. I'll be 37 in September.' According to him, getting ready for an actual fight would take at least six months of full focus and strict routine. — alkassenglish (@alkassenglish) Khabib explained that many people look at fighters and think they're ready just by how fit they look. But that's not how it works. He stated that what actually counts is the number of sparring rounds you have completed and the standard of your sparring opponents. He also said that when he fought, his life was totally focused, no travel, no additional activities, six days a week of morning and evening training and rest on Sunday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo He made it very evident that cardio or weight training do not get you ready for an actual fight. Khabib Nurmagomedov remains committed to coaching his team On October 24, 2020, Khabib triangled Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi to defend his UFC lightweight title for the third time in his career. After the fight, he retired in the cage, fulfilling a promise he made to his mother after losing his father and lifelong coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He's now concentrating on coaching. He works closely with Islam Makhachev, current UFC lightweight champion, as well as his cousins Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov. Khabib has firmly said there is 'no chance—not even one percent' of a comeback and even turns down wrestling or grappling match offers. Also Read: Conor McGregor Fires Back At Khabib Nurmagomedov In Deleted Post As UFC Feud Resurfaces FAQs 1. Will Khabib Nurmagomedov ever fight in UFC again? No, Khabib says there's 'no chance' he'll return to the UFC or fight again. 2. Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov retire so early? He retired in 2020 to honor a promise to his mother after his father passed away. 3. Is Khabib Nurmagomedov still involved in MMA? Yes, Khabib now coaches fighters like Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Javier Mendez: Khabib Nurmagomedov 'that good,' could have been three-weight UFC champion
ABU DHABI – Javier Mendez could have seen Khabib Nurmagomedov ruling over three UFC weight classes. Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) retired as an undefeated UFC lightweight champion after his father passed away. He fought his final fight against Justin Gaethje in October 2020 without his father in his corner. Nurmagomedov is widely considered the most dominant fighter in UFC history. No one had an answer for his intense pressure and wrestling, which he used to maul his opponents. Mendez is so high on Nurmagomedov that he thinks he could have captured two more UFC titles. "From what I remember, the conversations that Khabib and his father had and this was in Russian so it was being interpreted to me, and his father always wanted him at 155," Mendez told MMA Junkie. "(He) was doing great there and if anything, they wanted a legacy fight with GSP. His father envisioned GSP and him. "For me personally, as his coach since 2012, my personal feeling is that this guy could have won easily the lightweight which he did, the welterweight, and the middleweight. I believe he's that good. He would have 100 percent cleaned the clock on all of those three divisions, in my heart, what I seen in my eyes. I've seen him forever, and I watched what he did, and I watched how he kept improving." Nurmagomedov's finals three wins came in submission finishes over three of the lightweight division's best strikers in Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Gaethje. Mendez says he saw exponential growth in "The Eagle's" stand up over the years. "What people don't understand is that he only really did his vast majority of his striking with me so, he wasn't with me, but four, three-and-a-half months of the year, he'd do striking at home, but not with a real coach," Mendez continued. "It was only me and maybe a few of my other coaches, 'Pops' Carvalho, and that's pretty much it. We were the only ones training him. That's why people don't realize that Khabib – watch his evolvement in the striking from one, to another, to another. "You'll see him jumping up levels. At the very end there, he literally was beating up all the guys in stand up. Just standup, and I'd just put him in with pro boxers, and he'd beat them up in standup, too. That's how good he was getting, but unfortunately the world don't get to see him anymore because without his father, he just didn't feel that it was the right thing. So hey, it all worked out in God's plan, and now it's father's plan." Nurmagomedov's protege Islam Makhachev will look to capture a second UFC belt when he challenges welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later in the year. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Coach: Khabib Nurmagomedov could have been three-weight UFC champion
The Independent
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Khabib Nurmagomedov claims Jack Della Maddalena is tougher test than Ilia Topuria for Islam Makhachev
Khabib Nurmagomedov has claimed that his friend and mentee Islam Makhachev will have a tougher time against Jack Della Maddalena than he would against Ilia Topuria. Makhachev followed in the footsteps of Khabib, his childhood friend, by winning the UFC lightweight title in 2022, but he gave up the belt in June to pursue the welterweight title. The Russian, 33, is expected to challenge Della Maddalena for that strap later this year, though many fans would have preferred to see Makhachev keep the lightweight title and defend it against Topuria. Topuria vacated the featherweight belt in February with an eye on a lightweight title shot, and he ended up fighting Charles Oliveira for the vacant gold after Makhachev left the division. Topuria knocked out Oliveira in round one to stay unbeaten. But while many fans see Topuria vs Makhachev as arguably the best fight that could be made in MMA right now, Khabib thinks 'JDM' will be a tougher foe for his friend than Topuria would. 'I think Maddalena is the toughest opponent in Islam's career,' the retired Khabib, 36, told Adam Zubayraev in Russian. 'That's my opinion. 'Not Charles, no one else,' he added, referencing Makhachev's submission of Oliveira to win the lightweight title. 'None of those other fighters. That's just my personal opinion. 'First of all, Maddalena is twice the size of Ilia. Taller, bigger, stronger legs, bigger frame. His boxing is just as good, and in grappling, he scrambles really well – if you've watched him. 'For me, if I were preparing Islam for either Ilia or Maddalena, I'd be more concerned – and am more concerned – about Maddalena.' Della Maddalena, 28, won the welterweight title in May by outpointing Belal Muhammad, a teammate of Makhachev. The Australian put on a clinic in striking and defensive wrestling, extending his win streak to 18. JDM actually lost his first two MMA fights, in 2016, but he has not lost since. He now prepares to face a fighter on a 15-fight win streak in Makhachev. The latter's sole loss in MMA occurred in 2015, when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins, but his ensuing dominance has drawn comparisons to that of Khabib. While Makhachev is a much more dynamic striker than Nurmagomedov was, Makhachev is similarly effective with his wrestling. Nurmagomedov retired unbeaten in 2020 after retaining the lightweight title for a then-record-equalling third time. He proceeded to move into coaching, helping guide Makhachev to a record-breaking four lightweight title defences. Most fans see Makhachev or Topuria as the UFC's current pound-for-pound No 1 fighter, with the other as No 2.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Conor McGregor fires back at Khabib Nurmagomedov in deleted post as UFC feud resurfac
Conor McGregor fires back at Khabib Nurmagomedov in deleted post as UFC feud resurfaces (Image Via X) A sudden burst of tension returned to the UFC world as Conor McGregor shook the internet on July 22, 2025. The former featherweight and lightweight champion, known for bold words, took aim at UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov in a fiery post on X. Though the message was soon deleted, the tone was unmistakable. The old feud that saw a bus window smashed in Brooklyn and their grudge match at UFC 229 has now been reignited. This surprise outburst proves the rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov still resonates, even seven years after they last faced each other. Conor McGregor fires at Khabib Nurmagomedov after comments on Ilia Topuria On July 22, 2025, Conor McGregor responded sharply to Khabib Nurmagomedov's recent comments about rising UFC lightweight star Ilia Topuria. During an interview with Russian journalist Adam Zubayraev, Khabib Nurmagomedov said: 'Could Ilia Topuria be the next Conor? No, he's a good guy. You can tell he's trying to become someone.' In reply, Conor McGregor blasted:'Fighting's biggest b**** yapping out of his fat hole again. Cough cough.' in a post later removed from his X account. This incident echoes their infamous past. Back in April 2018, Conor McGregor invaded the backstage of Khabib Nurmagomedov UFC 223 fight in Brooklyn and hurled a dolly through a bus window, an act that fueled major hype. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Their bitterness climaxed at UFC 229 on October 6, 2018, at the T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Khabib Nurmagomedov choked out Conor McGregor. That fight became the highest-selling UFC pay-per-view of all time, with 2.4 million buys. Khabib Nurmagomedov points out UFC's role as Conor McGregor plans return Khabib Nurmagomedov, now retired and working as a coach, recently reflected that much of their original feud was driven by UFC boss Dana White. He said the bus incident was 'all Dana's doing' and added : 'Hunter alone wouldn't have been enough. They were all involved'. Meanwhile, McGregor is preparing for a comeback. He has been out of the Octagon since July 2021, when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. McGregor confirmed he plans to return in mid‑2026 and has expressed interest in fighting at the much‑talked‑about UFC event at the White House lawn, slated for July 2026 to mark 250 years of American independence. As both fighters stay busy in their own way, the old rivalry is now rekindled. With McGregor's return upcoming and Khabib still waylaying fighters from behind the scenes we can see further tension and headlines to come. Also Read: Donald Trump Backs Possible UFC Fight As Michael Chandler Targets White House Battle With Conor McGregor FAQs 1. Why did Conor McGregor delete his tweet on Khabib Nurmagomedov? Conor McGregor deleted his tweet after he disrespectfully referenced Khabib for the second time likely so the media wouldn't blow it up again and possibly suspend him by the UFC. 2. When did Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor last fight? Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor at UFC 229 on October 6, 2018 in Las Vegas. 3. Is Conor McGregor returning to UFC in 2026? Yes, Conor McGregor mentioned earlier this year he returns in mid-2026 at a UFC event presumably on the lawn of the White House. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
