Not everyone knows what it feels like to be the first from their country in the UFC, but for Shavkat Rakhmonov, it’s a badge of honor he wears proudly. That’s right, Rakhmonov stepped foot inside the Octagon as the very first Kazakh athlete competing for the promotion. So is it unexpected that he represents his culture every chance he gets?

‘The Nomad’ is often seen sporting his country’s flag proudly as he enters the cage with his headdress on. During weigh-ins, the same gear is still visible, sitting on his head like a crown in its own right. So what does his headdress signify for him? Here’s all you need to know.

Shavkat Rakhmonov explains the meaning and significance of his Kazakh hat

Shavkat Rakhmonov is a rising welterweight who has so far dominated every fighter inside the Octagon. During interviews and weigh-ins, his headdress is always on top. He once explained in an interview how the beautiful wolf-skin headdress was gifted to him by his people.

It was a gesture of pride for him. More importantly, it signifies his deep cultural ties to the place that he comes from. Being the first Kazakh fighter on the UFC’s roster is undoubtedly a big deal. And so far, he’s done nothing but bring pride.

“It’s a traditional Kazakh headdress that our ancestors used to wear during the wintertimes to keep themselves warm,” Rakhmonov told Ariel Helwani. “Myself, I feel like it’s a very beautiful headdress, and wearing it, I get to represent my roots, represent my culture and tradition. Traditionally, this headdress is usually made up out of a wolf or fox skin.”

Many could look at the headdress and see the fighter it could resemble. Undoubtedly, for many, it could invoke the image of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani fighter, who dominated his division back in his time. But does it have any similarity with the Dagestani headwear?

Is there a connection between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Rakhmonov’s hat?

Yes, the material (wool or sheepskin) and the look of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Shavkat Rakhmonov’s hats are similar, but culturally they are way different. It does have ties to their culture, but unlike ‘Nomad’s headwear, ‘The Eagle’s headwear doesn’t just signify his Dagestani heritage. Nurmagomedov’s Papakha also stands as a symbol of his connection to war, and also his the values of his tradition.

“Papakha represents where I’m from. My small village in Dagestan. This is a traditional hat in Dagestan, Chechnya, and the Caucasus region. It’s very important to me, very important,” Khabib told ‘Russia Today’. “It is a hat worn by warriors, mountain clans, and shepherds of sheep. Its size is determined by a small rope that goes around it, so you can adjust its size.”

Even Merab Dvalishvili has similar headwear, and it’s no surprise because Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Russia are neighboring countries. Hence, certain similarities can be expected between those three nations. Nevertheless, we’ll surely be seeing Shavkat Rakhmonov sporting his hat when he walks out to the Octagon to fight Ian Garry at UFC 310 in one of the most hyped welterweight clashes of all time. With both fighters putting their undefeated streaks on the line for a chance at 170-pound gold, it remains to be seen who advances a step closer to realizing their UFC dream.