What Fuels a Champion? Check Out Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Diet

One of the most dominant Mixed Martial artists of all time is Dagestani fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov. The region is filled with successful combat sports athletes such as Adam Saitiev, Arthur Biyarslanov, and a host of MMA fighters. ‘The Eagle’, however, is the first from this region to win gold in Dana White’s promotion. 

He has exceptional wrestling skills and superb groundwork. His talents stem from his genes. Khabib’s father too had a passion for martial arts. He encouraged the habit in his son. Legends say that Khabib trained with a bear to challenge himself. 

Questions have emerged over the man’s diet from fans and detractors all over the world. They may be wondering what fuels him and helps him remain the dominant force that he is. Khabib treats his body akin to a temple and avoids processed food. They obstruct the development of the body and give rise to lethargy. This belief is common among combat athletes, with boxer Anthony Joshua too maintaining in the same mantra. 

RDX Sports Blog article quotes one of ‘The Eagle’s’ coaches, “You can’t out train a bad diet… period. Axing processed foods, synthetic sugars, and sodium is common sense. Calories are also considered. If you’re eating more calories than you’re burning, you’re bulking up and you’re not going to make weight.” It shows us that the diet and training go hand in hand. Neither can succeed without the other.

‘The Eagle’s’ record is something that can be attributed to his diet, his training, and his immense determination to improve despite being unbeaten till today. Khabib consumes Dagestani cuisine, which is simple and environmentally clean. It is rich in carbs and helps give Khabib the stamina to fight 5 high intense five-minute rounds.

Khabib Nurmagomedov diet

The article further says Nurmagomedov consumes a protein diet to retain his strength but shed calories to help him make a weight cut. In addition to this, he eats a staple of fruits and vegetables. Before a workout, he has a vegetable leaf smoothie, a banana for energy, grass-fed whey and brown rice mixed with water. ‘The Eagle’ consumes a teaspoon a fish oil after the smoothie. Following his workout, he eats half cup blueberries, yogurt, and crushed walnuts. 

For lunch, he has a large vegetable salad and tuna prepared in onion and mustard. At dinner, he keeps it light with a handful of zucchini in olive oil, quarters ounce of slow-cooked chicken and a half cup of beans. He keeps himself fueled between lunch and dinner too, consuming 2 red bell peppers with a cucumber and 3 hard-boiled eggs. ‘The Eagle’ engages in cheat days too, but these are a bare minimum.

The food is simple and is a reminder to everyone that regular and unadulterated meals are what keeps one in phenomenal shape.