Coveted BJJ & MMA Legend Hails Khabib as a ‘Real One’ for Humbling Gesture During PFL Dubai

The rivalry between “Dagestan vs Ireland” finally came to its end last night at PFL Champions Series 1 in Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. Bellator 155lbs kingpin Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his title against Ireland’s rising star Paul Hughes in a highly competitive five-round fight. Despite a point deduction during the fight, the Dagestani won the fight via a majority decision thus maintaining his perfect record with 19 consecutive wins.

The night was not only memorable for the Dagestani camp but also for a young boy who had the privilege of witnessing the event live. Khabib Nurmagomedov, a true legend of the sport, continues to captivate fans who are eager to catch a glimpse of him. ‘The Eagle’ once again solidified his status as a fan favorite with a heartwarming gesture that left everyone in awe.

Khabib Nurmagomedov takes out time to click picture with a young fan

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s rise to stardom in MMA is a testament to his unparalleled skill, unwavering discipline, and deep connection to his heritage. The undefeated Dagestani dominated the lightweight division for years and earned the love and admiration of fans worldwide. However, Khabib’s appeal went far beyond his impressive skills inside the Octagon.

His humility, respect for the sport, and commitment to his family and faith set him apart from many of his peers. His unwavering loyalty to his team, especially to his late father and coach Abdulmanap, was a cornerstone of his success. Additionally, Khabib’s respect for his fans, particularly the younger generation, has made him a role model for many.

This was on full display at a recent PFL event, where Khabib demonstrated a heartwarming gesture. A young fan requested a photo with the undefeated former UFC champion, and without hesitation, Khabib left his corner to make the moment happen. ACD MMA shared the news with fans, captioning, “A child wanted a pic with Khabib Nurmagomedov so Renzo Gracie went over to ask him and he left his corner to do it with no hesitation.” The BJJ ace also took a moment to appreciate Khabib’s kindness, tweeting, “Great champion a real one @TeamKhabib a brother to me.”

The fight at PFL was dubbed “Dagestan vs Ireland 2,” reminding fans of the iconic rivalry between Khabib and Conor McGregor. However, in a surprising turn of events during the post-fight interview, Khabib made a remark that reversed his earlier stance. Before the fight, he had boldly stated, “Brother, Ireland doesn’t have fighters. Let’s be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland?”

Yet, after the fight, it seems the former champion has had a change of heart, leaving fans curious about his evolving perspective on the rivalry.

Khabib shares a heartfelt message for the people of Ireland

The rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor remains one of the most heated and intense in UFC history. It all began long before their epic clash at UFC 229, fueled by personal animosity, cultural differences, and contrasting personalities. Before his cousin’s title defense, Khabib came forward and made a controversial comparison between the nations of Ireland and Dagestan. ‘The Eagle’ claimed that Dagestan’s barrage of MMA talent was far superior to Ireland. This led to him being targeted by fans and fighters alike, including Paul Hughes.

However, the tension between the duo seems to have shifted toward a more conciliatory tone. After the fight, Khabib took a moment to offer a heartfelt message to the people of Ireland, showing appreciation for the country’s support of Palestine, particularly amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. During the post-fight interview, he said, “I just want to say one thing. All these things began from my side and the other guy when we were fighting, but don’t forget, Ireland is the biggest supporter in the world for Palestine. Don’t forget about this. We love you guys, your government, and everybody here inside the cage. MMA is all about respect. We love you guys because you support our brothers in Palestine. We love you guys.”

What are your thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s change in attitude? Let us know in the comments below.