Former UFC star Khabib calls for fair opportunities for Dagestani fighters

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov called for a stronger focus on merit, discipline, and equal opportunity during his appearance at the World Sports Summit in Dubai on Tuesday.

Speaking to sports leaders and athletes from around the world, Nurmagomedov reflected on his journey in combat sports and his transition into coaching, emphasising that success should be built on consistency rather than attention-seeking behavior.

“Sport should reward preparation and performance first,” Nurmagomedov said.

“If an athlete is doing the work every day and winning, that should be enough to earn opportunities.”

A notable part of his address focused on fighters from Dagestan, a region that has produced a number of elite mixed martial artists. Nurmagomedov explained that many of these athletes approach competition with a traditional mindset, placing respect and hard training above public image.

“In Dagestan, fighters don’t grow up learning how to talk loudly,” he said. “They grow up learning how to train, how to suffer, and how to improve. Their goal is to compete, not to entertain with words.”

Nurmagomedov suggested that this approach can sometimes work against them in modern professional sport, where visibility and promotion often influence career progression. He urged organizations to ensure that evaluation systems remain grounded in results rather than personality.

“There are many very strong fighters who may never get the spotlight because they don’t promote themselves,” he said. “That doesn’t mean they are less talented. It just means they are different.”

The former champion also spoke about leadership and responsibility, noting that his role has evolved since retiring from competition.

He credited his late father for shaping his outlook, saying the lessons he learned growing up now guide how he mentors young athletes.

“Being a leader is not about control,” Nurmagomedov added. “It’s about helping others grow and protecting the values of the sport.”

Nurmagomedov’s appearance was among the most closely followed sessions of the summit, resonating with attendees for its emphasis on integrity and athlete development.

His remarks echoed the event’s broader themes surrounding governance, sustainability, and the long-term health of global sport.

The group of fighters working under Nurmagomedov’s guidance features some of the sport’s leading names, including UFC champion Islam Makhachev, along with his cousins Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov.

Khabib’s Protege and reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has firmly established himself as one of the leading figures in mixed martial arts, combining technical precision with consistency at the highest level of competition.

A product of Dagestan’s renowned combat sports system, Makhachev rose through the UFC ranks with a methodical style built on elite grappling, strong conditioning, and tactical discipline.

Training alongside and under the guidance of former champion Khabib, Makhachev has become a central figure in the next generation of fighters emerging from the region.

Since capturing the UFC lightweight title, Makhachev has successfully defended his belt against top-ranked challengers, reinforcing his reputation as a complete mixed martial artist. His performances have been marked by composure under pressure and an ability to adapt mid-fight, qualities often highlighted by his coaching team.

Usman is preparing for a major title defense, with the PFL lightweight champion scheduled to face Alfie Davies in Dubai next month.

Meanwhile, during the summit in Dubai, Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao was among the high‑profile figures featured on the programme, sharing insights from his remarkable career and commenting on his perspective of the sport.

Pacquiao used his session to reflect on the craft of boxing, stressing that mastering the discipline requires sustained effort over time rather than quick fixes, a point he illustrated by referencing recent high‑profile bouts that have captured public attention.

Organised by the Dubai Sports Council under the theme ‘Uniting the World Through Sport,’ the summit brought together more than 1,500 participants with some of the best-known sportspersons, experts, decision-makers, and leadership figures shaping the sector globally gathering.