- Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most successful UFC fighters of all-time
- Throughout his career, Khabib, who is a Muslim, has always focused on his faith
The reason that UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov originally turned down a photo with a woman last week has become clear.
Khabib, 36, is one of the most impressive fighters in UFC history after winning all 27 of his career bouts.
Since retiring, he has focused on coaching and mentoring fighters and is also regularly seen attending high-profile sporting events.
However, a clip of Nurmagomedov, 36, circulated on TikTok last week where he appeared to urge a woman to turn around when she approached him for a photo at an event.
The same individual returned moments later and did take a picture with the 36-year-old and fans have noticed one major difference.
In the original approach, the woman had a drink in her hand, which appeared to be alcoholic.
It seems that Khabib instructed her to put down the drink before returning for a photo without it in her hand.
This is because the former fighter is a devout Muslim and in Islam, alcohol is prohibited, with the holy book The Quran forbidding the consumption of it.
And several fans were quick to praise the 36-year-old for maintaining his faith despite all of his fame.
One said: ‘A man with moral values and discipline,’ before another added: ‘Money hasn’t changed this man, stuck to his beliefs and principles.’
A further fan added: ‘He’s a devout Muslim and doesn’t like to engage in any type of way that endorses alcohol.’
Khabib regularly spoke about and was involved with his religion throughout his fighting career.
The Russian would often be seen praying after his UFC bouts and previously opened up on his faith in 2023 when speaking on his YouTube channel.
‘A lot of people, they are a little bit shy to show they are Muslim,’ he said. ‘Some people don’t like this, but who cares? My religion taught (sic) 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 neighbour, to be a good friend. This is only because of my religion. Because of my faith, you know.
‘And everybody has (sic) their own way, but I choose to show this. To show this, to represent this and to be proud of this.’
However, Khabib had generated controversy last month when he failed to shake TV host Kate Scott’s hand at the Champions League final despite greeting all of her male colleagues.
CBS Sports covered the action with their regular punditry trio of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards and presenter Scott.
After Les Parisiens’ crushing 5-0 victory, the group were joined at pitch side by popular streamer IShowSpeed and the UFC icon.
As Khabib made his way over to the group he embraced each member individually before declining a handshake from Scott as her hand remained awkwardly outstretched.
Nurmagomedov then appeared to clarify his refusal to the presenter – previously known as Kate Abdo prior to her marriage to boxing trainer Malik Scott last year – who subsequently apologised on air.
This is because in Islam it is forbidden to touch a member of the opposite sex that you are not related to.
