Featured Image Credit: teonaaptsiauri/TikTok
Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC, MMA, Champions League
Luke Davies
Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC, MMA, Champions League
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov seemingly refused to take a picture with a fan as footage has emerged online, but there’s an explanation.
Khabib, 36, was one of the most revered MMA fighters in UFC history and retired with a perfect record of 29 wins – including a victory over Conor McGregor – and zero losses.
He has since focused on coaching and mentoring fighters at American Top Team.
And these days, the Russian attends events, such as the recent Champions League final where he was pictured with several PSG stars after their 5-0 win against Inter.
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Earlier this week, footage emerged on social media which appeared to show the 36-year-old ‘refusing’ to take a photograph with a female fan.
However, fans in the comments section quickly realised the reason for this.
A fan approached Khabib with what appeared to be an alcoholic drink in her hand before she swiftly returned seconds later without the glass, before the former fighter then agreed to get a photograph.
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Of course, Khabib is a devout Muslim and according to GreenProphet.com, “The Quran, which is the central religious text of Islam, contains several verses that prohibit the consumption of alcohol. In one verse, it says, ‘O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful’".
Fans reacted on social media with several praising the 36-year-old.
One said: “A man with moral values and discipline.”
Another added: “Money hasn't changed this man, stuck to his beliefs and principles.”
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While a third explained: “He’s a devout Muslim and doesn’t like to engage in any type of way that endorses alcohol.”
Khabib has been open about his religion and was regularly spotted praying after his UFC contests.
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In 2023, Khabib opened up about how his faith helps him be a “good man” while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“A lot of people, they little bit shy to show they are Muslim,” Khabib said. “Some people don’t like this, but who cares? My religion teach this to me: to be a nice person, to be a good man, to be a good family man. You know, like, to be a good neighbour, to be a good friend. This is only because of my religion. Because of my faith, you know. And everybody have their own way, but I choose to show this. To show this, to represent this and to be proud of this.”