Khabib Nurmagomedov may have retired from the UFC but his legacy in mixed martial arts continues to grow. The Hall of Famer has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of fighters from Dagestan, and his influence is evident in the dominance his team has displayed across multiple promotions. Under Khabib’s mentorship, fighters like Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov have captured lightweight titles in the UFC and Bellator, respectively.

Now, Team Khabib has added another champion to its ranks, this time in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Gadzhi Rabadanov claimed the PFL lightweight championship in spectacular fashion, delivering a third-round knockout against former Bellator champion Brent Primus in Riyadh.

The victory not only earned Rabadanov the coveted title but also a $1 million prize, further solidifying Team Khabib’s reputation for excellence. In a surprising gesture of sportsmanship, the CEO of the UFC’s rival organization, the PFL, publicly congratulated Khabib on Rabadanov’s victory. PFL Chairman and Founder Donn Davis wrote a congratulatory message for ‘The Eagle’ on X and said, “Congrats to @TeamKhabib. Khabib now trains and guides ALL 155lb World Champions @PFLMMA, @BellatorMMA, @UFC.” 

This victory is more historic as the Dagestani phenom had vowed that he would create such a team that would continue his legacy even after his retirement.

In an interview with

iNews, Nurmagomedov confidently reflected on the enduring legacy of his team, saying, “You guys are never gonna miss me because, in our team, our gym, we create champions. You guys are always gonna have a champion; don’t worry about this.” His words rang true after Rabadanov’s remarkable victory in the PFL lightweight championship.

Team Khabib is over the moon with the win of Gadzhi Rabadanov

Khabib took to social media to express his pride, posting on X: “Three best MMA organizations in the world: Three current champions in the lightweight division. I think this is something unreal.” Even reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev joined in the celebration, praising Rabadanov’s victory and acknowledging the growing legacy of Team Khabib.

Makhachev echoed Khabib’s feelings, complimenting Rabadanov on his win and sharing, “I think in this Grand Prix, you’re just beginning to reach your potential. And now a well-deserved rest.” Apart from that, the 31-year-old PFL champ paid an emotional tribute to Khabib’s late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. As he embarked on his MMA journey, Rabadanov met the legendary coach and considered him to be a father figure. “The belt is a continuation of the legacy of great trainer Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov who is not with us,” Rabadanov expressed after the fight.

As for what lies ahead for Rabadanov and the other fighters from team Khabib, the future seems to be bright. Do you think we will see more champions from Dagestan in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!