Learn more about Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Eight wins by KO, 10 by submission (4 triangle, 2 RNC, 2 kimura, armbar, neck crank)
- Has 11 first round finishes
- Finished 14 of last 20 wins
- Made two successful title defenses
- Officially retired in 2021
UFC History
UFC 254 (10/24/20) Nurmagomedov submitted Justin Gaethje (triangle choke) at 1:34 of the second round to defend his UFC lightweight title
UFC 242 (10/7/19) Nurmagomedov submitted Dustin Poirier (rear-naked choke) at 2:06 of the third round to defend his UFC lightweight title
UFC 229 (10/6/18) Nurmagomedov submitted Conor McGregor (neck crank) at 3:03 of the fourth round to defend his UFC lightweight title
UFC 223 (4/7/18) Nurmagomedov won a five round unanimous decision over Al Iaquinta to win the vacant UFC lightweight championship
UFC 219 (12/30/17) Nurmagomedov won a three round unanimous decision over Edson Barboza
UFC 205 (11/12/16) Nurmagomedov submitted Michael Johnson (kimura) at 2:31 of the third round
UFC on FOX (4/16/16) Nurmagomedov stopped Darrell Horcher (TKO, punches) at 3:38 of the second round
UFC on FOX (4/19/14) Nurmagomedov won a three round unanimous decision over Rafael dos Anjos
UFC 165 (9/21/13) Nurmagomedov won a three round unanimous decision over Pat Healy
UFC 160 (5/25/13) Nurmagomedov won a three round unanimous decision over Abel Trujillo
UFC on FX (1/19/13) Nurmagomedov knocked out Thiago Tavares (punches and elbows) at 1:55 of the first round
UFC 148 (7/7/12) Nurmagomedov won a three round unanimous decision over Gleison Tibau
UFC on FX (1/20/12) Nurmagomedov submitted Kamal Shalorus (rear-naked choke) at 2:08 of the third round
Q&A
TRAINING: Morning run for about 30 minutes, lunch, sparring. Grappling and striking every other night. Also I like to go to Russian sauna once a week.
When and why did you start training for fighting? In 2008 I decided to start competing in MMA under the guidance of my father. I had secured a few Combat Sambo awards by that time. My first fight I finished in the second round by RNC and was awarded submission of the night.
What ranks and titles have you held? Two-time Russian Combat Sambo and two-time World Sambo Champion
Do you have any heroes? My childhood friend Eldar Eldarov
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It’s my childhood dream and can tell you that I have seen all of UFC’s fights. This is something I was doing while other kids played video games.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Financial Academy with honors.What was your job before you started fighting? I am dedicated to fighting and I did not have to work except for training youth and children in wrestling.
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? M-1 Selection Champion
Ranks in any martial arts styles: Internationally recognized Sambo Master
Favorite grappling technique: Free-style wrestling, double and single leg takedowns
Favorite striking technique: Thai Clinch, knees and elbows
