UFC contender Khabib Nurmagomedov is moving from California and AKA to Bahrain to train with his new team KHK MMA.
You may have never heard of KHK MMA. It is owned by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the fifth son of the King of Bahrain, and they have come up with a very ambitious project of building the ‘best MMA team in the world’ according to Khabib.
Conor McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh has been contacted to coach the new team.
The new team will aim to bring together a host of top fighters from around the world, varying from up-and-coming prospects to established professionals competing in leading organisations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Apart from Khabib Nurmagomedov, they have also secured the services of UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev, and two more Irish fighters,James Gallagher and Frans Mlambo. Further recruits are former UFC fighter Alex Soto, Russian prospect Eldar Eldarov, Jose Torres and Bahrainis Hamza Kooheji and Mohammed Shahid.
Kavanagh told The42:
“This is a very exciting development for MMA and it offers a unique opportunity for these fighters. It’s something I’m privileged to be involved in and I think the potential here is enormous,” .
“The people behind this venture are clearly passionate about the sport and I’ve been very impressed by their enthusiasm. This will give young fighters, such as James and Frans, the ability to achieve their goal of reaching the top without having to cope with financial concerns.”
Khabib on his move:
