“Thank you for the fight [Paul Hughes] and for the experience. I invite you, your whole team, and your family to Dagestan anytime you want… good example for many young generations,” said UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov at a PFL event in Dubai last week. To quell the ongoing rivalry surrounding “Dagestan vs. Ireland” supremacy in combat sports, ‘The Eagle’ extended an olive branch to the young Irish star, showcasing exceptional sportsmanship.

This gesture echoes the legacy of his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who famously invited Conor McGregor to Dagestan to rise above animosity. However, the question remains: does ‘The Eagle’ fully embody Abdulmanap’s moral principles when it comes to welcoming outsiders? Former UFC fighter and verbose analyst Chael Sonnen recently offered a contrasting view on Khabib and his team’s approach to hospitality.

On his YouTube podcast, Good Guy/Bad Guy, Sonnen shared a tense experience he had involving ‘Team Khabib’ during a visit to Daniel Cormier at the American Kickboxing Academy in California. According to ‘The Bad Guy’, the atmosphere was far from welcoming, suggesting that the Dagestani team’s camaraderie may not always extend to those outside their circle.

“Somehow, I ended up in the wrong room,” Sonnen recalled. “The room I walked into was the Dagestan room, and Khabib was getting ready to do a workout. They never told me to leave. I wasn’t welcome, but I could feel it. There wasn’t a word said, but the way they were all looking at me made it clear they were waiting for me to exit. I said, ‘Man, I’m just looking for Cormier,’ and I showed myself the door.”

Sonnen’s claims are hard to believe, especially considering Khabib’s renowned reputation for respecting veteran fighters—a quality widely admired by fans, analysts, and the MMA community. Adding to the skepticism is Sonnen’s history of openly criticizing UFC megastar Conor McGregor, who also happens to be ‘The Eagle’s’ arch-nemesis. This begs the question: why would Sonnen, an “enemy of the enemy is friend,” feel unwelcome by ‘Team Khabib?’

Moreover, the former 155-pound champion has consistently taken the lead in inspiring the next generation of fighters. Beyond honing their skills in the cage, Khabib emphasizes teaching valuable life principles—guiding young athletes on how to cultivate success, maintain discipline, and live a peaceful, purpose-driven life.

Khabib Nurmagomedov sends youngsters a heartfelt message

Khabib Nurmagomedov has become a beacon of inspiration for young athletes worldwide—a symbol of unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and motivation. Despite his unparalleled success, he remained grounded, a quality deeply rooted in the values instilled by his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

A former Russian military veteran and renowned coach, Abdulmanap was both a strict disciplinarian and a nurturing father. His guidance and life lessons shaped Khabib into one of the greatest figures in MMA history. At UFC 242, before the tragic loss of his father to COVID-19, Nurmagomedov shared a heartfelt reflection on the foundation of his success during the post-fight press conference.

Offering wisdom for future generations, he said, “If you’re going to listen to your parents, everything in your life will turn out alright. Your parents can tell you what you have to do. When you’re 17 years old, you think you know everything. You feel a little empowered, and you forget about how your parents had to look after you when you were 2 years old.”

What’s your take on Chael Sonnen’s claims? Could ‘Team Khabib’ truly disrespect a legend like Sonnen, or was this simply a misunderstanding? Share your thoughts below!