Khabib Nurmagomedov Refutes Claim About Vladimir Putin Building His Gym

Khabib Nurmagomedov has denied a claim made by UFC star Arman Tsarukyan that Vladimir Putin's administration paid for his gym in Dagestan.

What happened?

Tsarukyan appeared on the "PBD Podcast" and stated that Russian fighters like Nurmagomedov are rewarded by the government for their achievements. He claimed that Putin's administration paid for Nurmagomedov's gym, which was built in his native village of Sildi.

Why it matters for Khabib Nurmagomedov

Nurmagomedov took to Instagram to dispute the claim, stating that no one paid for his bills or built gyms for him. He said the gym was built using the money he earned from his fight against Conor McGregor in October 2018. The gym, which opened in May last year, cost a reported $5 million to build.

What comes next?

Nurmagomedov has also expressed interest in building a facility in Gaza, Palestine, and has a branded "Khabib Gym" on Yas Island in the UAE that opened in 2023. And he has been using his platform to give back to his community, with the gym in Dagestan providing a state-of-the-art facility for local fighters. But the claim made by Tsarukyan has sparked controversy, with some questioning the relationship between Russian fighters and the government. So Nurmagomedov's denial of the claim is significant, as it highlights the importance of clarity and transparency in the world of UFC. Nurmagomedov's gym in Dagestan has been a major success, with many local fighters training there. The gym has also hosted several high-profile events, including a visit from Nurmagomedov's teammate and fellow UFC fighter, Islam Makhachev.