Khabib Nurmagomedov has never been shy about sharing his views on discipline and lifestyle.
During a conversation with professional esports driver and competitor Cem Bölükbaşı, the former UFC lightweight champion questioned the long-term value of dedicating years to video games.
Reflecting on the time commitment required to reach the top level, Nurmagomedov pointed to what he believes is a major sacrifice:
How many millions of people, they spend 10 years of their best life? You know, from 17 to 27.
They spend their life on computer games.
Bölükbaşı responded by comparing esports to traditional sports, arguing that the odds of success are similarly small across all competitive fields.
But Nurmagomedov rejected the comparison, emphasizing the physical and social benefits of athletic training:
In sport, you have healthy. When you sit, eating [in esports]…
When you come to the gym, even you don’t become, like, UFC champion, but at least you know people.
He also expressed concern about the psychological effects of spending long periods gaming:
When you’re sitting and playing computer games, like, your mind is changed.
For Nurmagomedov, the gym represents more than competition:
For example, in gym, you meet people. This is social, you know, you meet people, you can talk.
By contrast, he remained skeptical about what gaming offers in return for the years invested:
Come on, brother, there is no education.
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