"Freedom of expression is non-existent in my gym": Khabib Nurmagomedov on his uncompromising coaching approach and honoring his father's legacy.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, renowned for his serious demeanor as a UFC fighter, has seamlessly transitioned this same attitude into his coaching career.
Now serving as the mentor for several fighters, he has stepped into the role once held by his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. When it comes to training, Nurmagomedov adopts a strict, no-nonsense approach. "When we enter the gym and begin our sessions—and everyone is aware of this—there is absolutely no freedom of speech," Nurmagomedov stated during the World Sports Summit. "As the coach, everyone must adhere to my instructions. There’s no room for negotiation; it’s all or nothing. I push my athletes hard, and if you examine the results across various organizations, you’ll see champions emerging from our ranks, showcasing some of the finest fighters available today.
We pride ourselves on being the best team, and that brings me great joy. It indicates that I am fulfilling my responsibilities effectively."
In terms of competition, Nurmagomedov seeks out individuals who approach their training with utmost seriousness, both inside and outside the gym. While victories and defeats are part of the sport, the effort put forth is what truly matters to him. "Some fighters take competition very personally," he elaborated. "You can see how they react when they lose; sometimes they seem to give up, just standing there. It’s like, come on, man, that’s not acceptable.
If you’re representing my team, and even if we’re losing, if I see you smiling, trust me, that’s going to be an issue. You need to perform. Losing is a part of the game, but showing your best effort is essential. You can't be part of my team giggling while we’re down."
Following the passing of his father, Nurmagomedov defended his championship title one final time, defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020 before retiring from competitive fighting. He had made a vow to his mother that he would step away from the sport.
Although he anticipated taking over his father’s role, it was in looking around the gym after his retirement that a profound realization struck him. "We have established rules in our environment. One of them states that if you’re younger, you’re typically in the wrong," Nurmagomedov explained. "The elders are always considered right. These rules are crucial, and they must be followed. After finishing my career, I suddenly found myself as the oldest member of my team. It dawned on me, saying, 'Okay, it’s time to assume leadership. Who will guide this team? They can’t be left to fend for themselves. Yes, I’ve achieved success, I was a champion, and I’ve reached the pinnacle, but I can't just say goodbye and expect everything to be fine the next day.
It doesn’t function that way. I looked around at my team, realizing that everyone was younger than I am, and now that my father is gone, I thought, ‘Alright, I must take charge, lead this team forward, and carry on my father’s legacy. I recognize the responsibility, and I feel prepared for it. Not everyone is ready for this challenge.'"
