Khabib Nurmagomedov Drives Dagestani Camps

Khabib Nurmagomedov may have retired six years ago, but his influence on the next generation of Dagestani fighters is as strong as ever. Recent footage shows the undefeated former UFC lightweight champion effortlessly controlling an 11-0 prospect on the mats, a visual reminder of the skills that made him a legend. At the same time, current champion Justin Gaethje has been vocal about their past encounter and his views on the all-time greats, sparking fresh debate about Khabib's standing in the sport.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is not only a figurehead. He is described as the driving force behind fight camps for stars like Islam Makhachev and his cousins, Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov. Usman Nurmagomedov stated that Khabib's involvement is "100 percent every time," highlighting how the retired champion's work ethic and cultural influence shape the team's preparation. This hands-on role extends to coaching top prospects such as Amru Magomedov, an undefeated PFL lightweight who is 11-0 as a professional.

A clip posted on Instagram by Usman Nurmagomedov in early October 2026 provides a clear answer. It shows Khabib dominantly controlling Amru Magomedov from top position during a grappling exchange. The footage offers a stark demonstration that, even years removed from his final fight at UFC 254 in October 2020, his technical prowess and physical conditioning remain elite. Fans and fighters alike have pointed to the video as proof that 'The Eagle' has lost none of the ability that saw him retire with a perfect 29-0 record.

Reigning UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje recently revisited his title loss to Khabib at UFC 254. On the One Night Steiny podcast, Gaethje recalled winning the first round on two judges' scorecards but said the effort drained him completely. "I wasn’t gonna win that fight after the first round," Gaethje stated bluntly. He shut down any notion that a rematch would have gone differently, giving full credit to Khabib's relentless pressure. Gaethje's reflection comes after he defended his title against Ilia Topuria earlier in the summer of 2026.

Despite sharing the octagon with him, Justin Gaethje did not include Khabib Nurmagomedov on his personal MMA Mount Rushmore. When asked to name his greatest fighters of all time on the same podcast, Gaethje listed Royce Gracie, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, and Chuck Liddell. The omission is notable given Khabib's undefeated record and dominant reign, and it adds a new layer to the ongoing conversation about lightweight greatness and historical legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Khabib Nurmagomedov remains a central, active coach for Dagestani fighters, with Usman Nurmagomedov confirming his 100% commitment to camps.
• New grappling footage from October 2026 shows Khabib easily controlling undefeated 11-0 prospect Amru Magomedov.
• Justin Gaethje believes he won the first round against Khabib at UFC 254 but had nothing left afterward, dismissing the idea of a different rematch outcome.
• Gaethje's personal top-five MMA fighters list includes Royce Gracie, Anderson Silva, GSP, Jon Jones, and Chuck Liddell, but not Khabib.