Latest news with #Makhachkala
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
PFL champion Khizriev allegedly shot by two gunmen
The Professional Fighters League says it is "aware of the situation concerning Timur Khizriev" after a video posted online appears to show the Russian featherweight champion being shot multiple footage shows Khizriev, 29, being attacked by two gunmen as he exited his car in Makhachkala, being shot, Khizriev grapples with one while the other fires at close range, before escaping further harm by fleeing the is in stable condition, according to Russian media reports, but suffered numerous injuries to the shoulder, hand, and chest, and is undergoing surgery."PFL is aware of the situation concerning Timur Khizriev, and remain in close touch with his representatives," the mixed-martial arts promotion said in a statement."Our thoughts are with him and his family during this time."Khizriev has won the first 18 fights of his career and beat Britain's Brendan Loughnane in November to win the PFL's featherweight tournament.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
MMA star 'shot five times in ambush by masked gunmen, with PFL champion rushed to hospital after escaping'
PFL champion Timur Khizriev is recovering in hospital after being shot five times during an ambush by two masked gunmen in Dagestan, Russia. The incident is said to have taken place on Tuesday evening, with dramatic footage shared on social media appearing to show the undefeated fighter being targeted shortly after stepping out of his car. In the clip, two hooded attackers can be seen sprinting towards Khizriev before opening fire at close range. Despite being struck, the 29-year-old managed to grapple with one of the assailants, while the second continued to fire. Khizriev escaped further harm by sprinting away from the scene, leaping over parked cars to safety. MMA Junkie later reported that the Russian's management confirmed he is in hospital but doing well, assuring the outlet that his 'life is not in danger.' As of the time of writing, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was connected to Khizriev's public profile or personal life. Khizriev has already built a formidable reputation in the MMA world - and last year marked the pinnacle of his career so far. Hailing from Makhachkala, the Russian star first made waves on the domestic scene before earning a contract with Bellator in 2022. But it was his move to the PFA that truly put him on the map. He enjoyed a flawless 2024 campaign, racking up four consecutive wins to capture the PFL featherweight title. His run included victories over Brett Johns, Enrique Barzola, and Gabriel Alves Braga, before he capped off the year with a dominant performance against England's Brendan Loughnane in the final. Speaking after that triumph, Khizriev paid tribute to his opponent and reflected on the emotional toll of his journey. 'He is a former champion. A tough fighter. Yes, he took a lot of damage, I was honestly surprised. We have to give love to him, hats off. He is a tough dude,' he said. 'That was a very tough and a long road. My family took a lot from me in this fight. I was very nervous. Now I have to give back when I go back home.'
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Revealed: Why Muslim UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov 'refused' to take picture with woman - just weeks after he declined to shake TV host Kate Scott's hand despite greeting all of her male colleagues
The reason that UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov originally turned down a photo with a woman last week has become clear. Khabib, 36, is one of the most impressive fighters in UFC history after winning all 27 of his career bouts. Since retiring, he has focused on coaching and mentoring fighters and is also regularly seen attending high-profile sporting events. However, a clip of Nurmagomedov, 36, circulated on TikTok last week where he appeared to urge a woman to turn around when she approached him for a photo at an event. The same individual returned moments later and did take a picture with the 36-year-old and fans have noticed one major difference. In the original approach, the woman had a drink in her hand, which appeared to be alcoholic. It seems that Khabib instructed her to put down the drink before returning for a photo without it in her hand. This is because the former fighter is a devout Muslim and in Islam, alcohol is prohibited, with the holy book The Quran forbidding the consumption of it. And several fans were quick to praise the 36-year-old for maintaining his faith despite all of his fame. One said: 'A man with moral values and discipline,' before another added: 'Money hasn't changed this man, stuck to his beliefs and principles.' A further fan added: 'He's a devout Muslim and doesn't like to engage in any type of way that endorses alcohol.' Khabib regularly spoke about and was involved with his religion throughout his fighting career. The Russian would often be seen praying after his UFC bouts and previously opened up on his faith in 2023 when speaking on his YouTube channel. 'A lot of people, they are a little bit shy to show they are Muslim,' he said. 'Some people don't like this, but who cares? My religion taught (sic) this to me: to be a nice person, to be a good man, to be a good family man. 'You know, like, to be a good neighbour, to be a good friend. This is only because of my religion. Because of my faith, you know. 'And everybody has (sic) their own way, but I choose to show this. To show this, to represent this and to be proud of this.' However, Khabib had generated controversy last month when he failed to shake TV host Kate Scott's hand at the Champions League final despite greeting all of her male colleagues. CBS Sports covered the action with their regular punditry trio of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards and presenter Scott. After Les Parisiens' crushing 5-0 victory, the group were joined at pitch side by popular streamer IShowSpeed and the UFC icon. As Khabib made his way over to the group he embraced each member individually before declining a handshake from Scott as her hand remained awkwardly outstretched. Nurmagomedov then appeared to clarify his refusal to the presenter - previously known as Kate Abdo prior to her marriage to boxing trainer Malik Scott last year - who subsequently apologised on air. This is because in Islam it is forbidden to touch a member of the opposite sex that you are not related to.
