Even after retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to make headlines. The former lightweight king, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, recently opened up about the legends who shaped his early journey into mixed martial arts.
Khabib’s Inspirations Growing Up
During a recent interview, Nurmagomedov revealed the three fighters he admired most as a teenager: Fedor Emelianenko, Maurício “Shogun” Rua, and Georges St-Pierre. Each of them was in their prime when Khabib was just 16 years old, and their success in PRIDE and the UFC left a lasting impression on the young Dagestani prospect.
“When I grew up, it was two, maybe three. Three of my favorite fighters when I was 16 — they were in their prime. It was Fedor, it was Shogun Rua, and Georges St-Pierre. They were UFC and PRIDE champions, and I grew up watching their fights,” Khabib explained. “When I met them for the first time, it was very emotional for me.”
Why These Three Fighters?
Fedor Emelianenko was known as “The Last Emperor,” dominating PRIDE’s heavyweight division and building a reputation as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. His composure, resilience, and finishing ability made him a global icon of MMA.
Maurício Rua, better known as Shogun, was a devastating striker who captured the PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix title before later becoming a UFC light heavyweight champion. His aggressive style and knockout power resonated with a generation of fight fans, including Khabib.
Georges St-Pierre is widely recognized as one of the most complete martial artists in history. A two-division UFC champion, GSP’s mix of striking, wrestling, and fight IQ set the gold standard for well-rounded MMA. For a young Khabib, GSP embodied the perfect professional approach to combat sports.
Khabib’s Own Legacy
Nurmagomedov himself went on to forge an iconic career, retiring undefeated at 29-0. His wins over stars like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje established him as one of the greatest lightweights in MMA history. Now focused on coaching and developing fighters from Dagestan, Khabib often credits those early inspirations for fueling his rise to the top.
While fans may never see him step into the Octagon again, it’s clear that the legacies of Fedor, Shogun, and GSP continue to live on through Khabib Nurmagomedov’s own story.
