Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Why His Sons Focus on Gymnastics Over Combat Sports

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed that his children are focusing exclusively on gymnastics rather than following his footsteps into martial arts. In a recent conversation with Demetrious Johnson, Khabib explained his reasoning.

“I know how to fight, I’m gonna protect them. They don’t need to fight,” he stated confidently. While he believes in the importance of physical fitness and strength, Khabib has deliberately decided to steer his children away from competing in combat sports.

This approach marks a shift from his earlier statements, where he had shared plans for his son to train in wrestling. At the time, Khabib had said, “My son is already training [wrestling] and doing gymnastics. He has a good coach that I trust. He already trains in Makhachkala.”

Khabib’s decision seems influenced by his own experiences in the world of professional sports. He has previously spoken about the hidden struggles athletes face, explaining, “I don’t want him to go through all that I went. Because in professional sports most people don’t see what is inside. They only see a picture and videotapes which are like 40 minutes.”

Having retired undefeated with a 29-0 record in 2020, Khabib recently shared a heartwarming anecdote about his son’s limited memory of his career. He recounted how his son, who was only three years old when Khabib retired, once asked him, “Father, can you fight like Islam Makhachev?” The innocent question highlighted how little his son remembers of Khabib’s dominance in the Octagon.

For now, Khabib’s children will dedicate themselves to gymnastics, with their father’s full encouragement, leaving the legacy of combat sports to rest solely with him.