Khabib Nurmagomedov’s passion for sports extends beyond the Octagon as he recently gave a shout-out to Stephen Curry! The former UFC lightweight champion has previously been spotted playing a unique version of basketball himself, which the fans have dubbed, ‘Dagestani Basketball’. Nurmagomedov’s version of the sport involves a mixture of MMA, basketball, and rugby and is highly physical.

‘The Eagle’ was recently present at an NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors. He took this opportunity to share a picture of the game and showed his appreciation for Curry, as he called him “one of the best NBA players in the world”!

Live NBA experience leaves Khabib Nurmagomedov full of praise for Stephen Curry

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s love for the unique brand of ‘Dagestani Basketball’ was first highlighted by the ‘Anatomy of a Fighter’ YouTube channel. Will Harris, the channel’s founder, captured footage of the game when he traveled to Dagestan to create a documentary-esque vlog about Nurmagomedov’s life and training.

The rules between ‘Dagestani Basketball’ and the NBA are surprisingly different. In the Dagestani version of the sport enjoyed by Team Khabib, takedowns, physical contact, and grappling form a more integral part of the game. Dribbling the basketball isn’t even a requirement for the players.

And so, ‘The Eagle’ was recently present at the NBA game between the Raptors and the Warriors, featuring the greatest shooter alive, Stephen Curry!

Nurmagomedov took the opportunity to state on his X account, “It’s different experience to watch live one of the best NBA player in the world. Thanks Toronto Raptors for invitation @Raptors @warriors @NBA” This appreciation for Stephen Curry and the NBA highlights Nurmagomedov’s diverse sporting interests, which go beyond his achievements in the Octagon.

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But while he was full of praise for the NBA star, the former UFC lightweight champion recently also shared his confusion with the UFC and their matchmaking for his friend and training partner, Islam Makhachev!

‘The Eagle’ doesn’t understand the UFC’s decisions with matchmaking  

Khabib Nurmagomedov does not agree with the recent matchmaking decisions for the lightweight division by the UFC and Dana White. Nurmagomedov’s friend and protege, Islam Makhachev, has taken over the division since Nurmagomedov’s retirement.

As such, many, including Nurmagomedov, expected Makhachev to face Justin Gaethje next, yet, Gaethje is set to defend the BMF title against Max Holloway at UFC 300, with Charles Oliveira fighting Arman Tsarukyan on the same card.

As such, in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, ‘The Eagle’ stated, “Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway: It makes no sense – (that’s) my opinion. My opinion, Holloway is supposed to fight with (Ilia) Topuria next, maybe September. Justin Gaethje is supposed to fight with Islam in May or June…”

Nurmagomedov’s remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding Makhachev’s title reign and reflect broader questions about the UFC’s lightweight division’s direction. And it remains to be seen who will challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title next!

Do you agree with the matchups Khabib Nurmagomedov has proposed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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