Khabib is the king of Abu Dhabi. Orel came to UFC 294 for Makhachev
Sergey Sorokin October 16, 2023, 20:15 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Nurmagomedov destroyed his rivals in the United Arab Emirates and will now become the talisman of Islam.
On October 21, the most anticipated tournament of the year, UFC 294, will be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The main fight of the evening will feature the Russian Islam Makhachev.
Previously, his friend and ally, Khabib Nurmagomedov, was on his side. But at some point, Orel completely retired from sporting activities and focused on other matters. And yet, the legendary fighter cannot leave his comrade without support. He came to Abu Dhabi, helped with the preparations and will act as a mascot.
The most interesting details of the next tournament are in our live:
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Khabib can easily be called the true “king” of Abu Dhabi. Throughout his career, he has built a large fan base in the Emirates. Orel fueled interest in himself with constant visits. Nurmagomedov gave open speeches and addressed fans at press conferences. And the fans responded with unconditional affection. And Abu Dhabi is one of the most emblematic places in Habib’s life.
The Russian first performed in the United Arab Emirates on September 7, 2019 at the UFC 242 tournament. Dustin Poirier became Khabib’s opponent. Nurmagomedov performed with deafening public support and dominated throughout the fight. In the third round, Orel caught his opponent making a mistake, took him on his back and performed a beautiful choke. For Khabib, this was the second defense of the UFC lightweight champion title. At that time, it was unlikely that he would think about withdrawing from his career.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier
Photo: Stringer/Getty Images
The next visit to Abu Dhabi took place on October 24, 2020. It was Khabib’s farewell tournament: UFC 254. The Eagle dealt with Justin Gaethje even faster. In the second round, he opted for a hand triangle and literally put his opponent to sleep. And after finishing the fight he announced his retirement. The news came as a real shock to the entire sports world. It turned out so amazing. Khabib only had two fights in his career in Abu Dhabi. But it was there that he ended his career. Therefore, it is simply impossible not to call this place a place of worship for Nurmagomedov.
It is worth noting that even after leaving the sport, Khabib continued to develop mixed martial arts in the Emirates. Eagle opened Khabib Gym on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It is worth noting that not only professional fighters train there, but also ordinary amateurs who only dream of building a career in MMA. And in April 2023, Orel received a lifetime achievement award from Sky News Arabia. Khabib himself was pleasantly surprised by this.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
legendary Russian MMA fighter
“I don’t know why they handed this to me because I just hit people. Why are you giving me this award? There are so many great athletes here. I want to thank Abu Dhabi, I love this city very much, I have the best memories of my professional career with it, because here in 2019 my father accompanied me for the first time in my UFC career. All this time I was fighting in the United States. When the UFC first came to Abu Dhabi, they put me in the main event. “That’s why my father could be on my side, because the United States wouldn’t give him a visa.”
Khabib is idolized and loved in Abu Dhabi. And now he has come to support his friend Makhachev. Between them they already have five victories in the United Arab Emirates. And with such powerful support from the stands, the Russian champion is simply forced to make another defense of his belt. Together with the Eagle of Islam, the entire public will support him, there is no doubt about that.
