Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals he is in condition to fight at a high level for a surprising reason; understand why.

Khabib at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Even years after definitively hanging up his gloves, the main leader of the Dagestan Clan, it's no surprise that... Khabib Nurmagomedov continue to be one of the most challenging training partners in the entire gym. In an interview on the 'SEF Backstage Pass' podcast last Tuesday (3), promoted by the Sharjah Entrepreneurs Festival, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) explained why he is still a physical and technical challenge for new generations of athletes, despite his long inactivity.

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According to Khabib, the reason is very simple. With nearly 30 professional fights in MMA alone, in addition to a successful career in combat sambo, he managed to avoid taking risks and not suffer serious damage, especially of a neurological nature.

“In my career, I was never damaged in fights. I was always fine, my face was fine, I was happy. I'm not going to say I'm 100% fit, but if we compare it to other fighters when they finish, how they have brain damage, body damage, Alhamdulillah I'm doing very well,” he stated.

Khabib Nurmagomedov says he can still compete with elite young guys in his gym because he never took any significant damage during his UFC career:

“In my career I never got damaged in fights. I was always good, my face was good, I was happy.

I'm not gonna say I'm 100% fit, but…

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 4, 2026

In fact, Khabib never suffered a knockdown or even bleeding while competing in the world's largest MMA organization. Throughout 13 fights under contract with Dana White, he only officially lost two rounds: against Conor McGregor e Justin gaethje, fights which he won by submission.

Khabib trains with some of the best in the world.

Khabib, Makhachev, Umar and Usman at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Khabib's retirement at age 32 was due to a tragic reason. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib's father and main coach, was one of the victims of Covid-19, and therefore "The Eagle" decided to end his career as a professional fighter and take on the role of coach. Under his tutelage, several athletes reached the top of the sport, such as... Usman Nurmagomedov e Islam makhachev, champions of the PFL and UFC, respectively.