Khabib Nurmagomedov retired as the longest-reigning UFC lightweight champion. Having carved an enormous fan base for his performances and polite nature, ‘The Eagle’ has a large number of Instagram followers (33 million as of February 2022). He ensures to keep them up to date with regular posts.
‘The Eagle’, in a recent video, cheerfully engaged with fans as he played with them in a soccer stadium.
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The Instagram video revealed Nurmagomedov autographing a ball and kicking it into the crowd. Subsequently, ‘The Eagle clicked selfies with the fans and pretended to take away a boy’s phone after delighting him with a selfie.
Fans always have an overwhelming response around Nurmagomedov because of his humbleness and friendly attitude. This was a constant when he was a fighter and has spilled over into his retired life as well.
Given that he isn’t fighting, his fans have been able to witness his relaxed nature even more.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is mentoring his young teammates
Khabib Nurmagomedov beat Justin Gaethje to make his third lightweight title defense at UFC 254. Immediately after the fight, he announced his retirement. Ever since then, his fans have been eager to see him back in the octagon. However, it seems ‘The Eagle’ has other plans.
While in conversation with ESPN MMA last March, Nurmagomedov said, “I have some business projects, I am gonna make money I’m gonna enjoy with my life I have kids and I have my brothers they still fighting university I’m gonna support them.”
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Nurmagomedov has transitioned into the role of a coach and has mentored the likes of Islam Makhachev (UFC), Zubaira Tukhugov (UFC), Tagir Ulanbekov (UFC), Islam Mamedov (Bellator), Umar Nurmagomedov (UFC), Usman Nurmagomedov (Bellator) and many more fighters.
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Besides coaching, he has also entered promoting as he purchased Gorilla Fighting Championship and renamed it as Eagle Fighting Championship. The company held events in Europe and made its first foray into North America with Eagle FC 44. ‘The Eagle’ even managed to rope in big names like Kevin Lee and Diego Sanchez to his company.
Hence, it is clear that he has a lot on his plate and fans can only catch him at press events or when he decides to unwind like he did at the soccer game.