Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov recently found himself at the center of social media discussion after footage emerged showing him initially declining to take a photograph with a female fan, before ultimately agreeing to the picture moments later.
The 36-year-old Russian, who retired with a perfect record of 29 wins and zero losses, was approached by a fan who had a glass in her hand. The woman quickly returned seconds later without the glass, and Nurmagomedov then agreed to pose for the photograph.
The incident highlights Nurmagomedov’s commitment to his religious beliefs as a devout Muslim. According to Islamic teachings found in the Quran, certain practices are considered prohibited, and the former champion has consistently demonstrated his adherence to these principles throughout his career and beyond.
Social media users were quick to understand and praise Nurmagomedov’s position. “A man with moral values and discipline,” wrote one fan, while another added: “Money hasn’t changed this man, stuck to his beliefs and principles.” A third user explained: “He’s a devout Muslim and doesn’t like to engage in any type of way that endorses” certain activities.
This isn’t the first time Nurmagomedov’s religious observances have been noticed in public settings. During the recent Champions League final, where he was present to watch PSG’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, he declined to shake hands with CBS Sports presenter Kate Scott, explaining his reasoning due to his faith tradition that avoids physical contact between unrelated men and women.
Kate Scott, formerly known as Kate Abdo before her marriage to boxing trainer Malik Scott last year, quickly offered an on-air apology, demonstrating cultural awareness of the situation. The moment created brief awkwardness, with popular streamer IShowSpeed making a face in reaction to the exchange.
Born in the Russian republic of Dagestan, Nurmagomedov is considered by some observers to be the second most famous Muslim athlete globally, after Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. His religious practices have been consistent throughout his career, including being regularly spotted praying after his UFC contests.
UFC fighter Cynthia Calvillo previously mentioned in 2020 that while training in the same facility, Nurmagomedov would not train directly with female athletes due to his religious observances. “It’s a little bit weird because of their religion… they won’t train with women,” Calvillo told theScore. “[Khabib] is still showing technique and stuff like that. So I still get to watch it. But it doesn’t bother me… because they’re not really being directly rude to me.”
In 2023, Nurmagomedov 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 neighbor, 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.”
