Khabib Nurmagomedov has retired from competing in MMA back in October 2020, but he is still very much a part of the sport. Today, he is an owner of the Eagle FC fight promotion, as well as a big part of training for many Dagestani fighters.
Many of them, including the UFC title contender Islam Makhachev, refer to Nurmagomedov as their “coach”.
However, Khabib doesn’t think that being called a “coach” is the right way to put things. Here’s why, as he explained in an interview for the UFC:
You mentioned “senior mentor”, and that’s the closest to what I am. But I wouldn’t call myself a coach, since I was never their coach.
We all trained together and had a coach. I still train with them a little. I visit the gyms when I have time.
He feels like his experience can offer a lot:
Some days I’m busy in the day, but I may call someone over at night to wrestle at home.
I think I’m more the senior mentor. I’m the oldest among them, and often have to take matters into my own hands.
I feel like there are many instances where I can share my knowledge and experience.
