Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. But before he became a UFC champion, Khabib honed his skills in a unique way. He supposedly wrestled with bears in his childhood. This story has become a part of MMA lore. Then again, people have always wondered- is there any truth to it? Well, let’s get into it.
How did Khabib Nurmagomedov become the fighter he was?
Khabib was born in the Republic of Dagestan, a region in Russia with a rich history of wrestling. His father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was a renowned wrestler and combat sports coach who trained Khabib from a young age. But even Abdulmanap couldn’t have predicted the level of toughness that Khabib would develop by wrestling with bears.
The story goes that when Khabib was just nine years old, he encountered a bear cub while out in the forest with his father. Instead of running away, Khabib decided to try and wrestle the bear. To his surprise, he succeeded in taking the bear down and keeping it on the ground for a few moments before running away.
Is fighting with bears common?
This might sound like a tall tale. However, ‘Eagle’ has confirmed the story in interviews. He has explained that wrestling with bears is a common practice in Dagestan, where it is seen as a way to toughen up young boys and prepare them for a life of combat sports. While it might seem cruel to subject a wild animal to such treatment, it’s worth noting that the bears used in these wrestling matches are typically cubs who have been raised in captivity and are used to being handled by humans.
Of course, wrestling with bears is not a recommended practice for aspiring fighters. The risks of injury or death are far too much. It is unlikely that any athletic commission would allow such a spectacle in a regulated event. But Khabib’s experience with bears highlights the intense training regimen that fighters from Dagestan undergo in order to succeed in combat sports.
In conclusion, the story of Khabib Nurmagomedov wrestling bears in his childhood is not a myth, but a real part of his upbringing in Dagestan. While it might seem extreme to outsiders, it’s a testament to the dedication and toughness required to succeed in combat sports. As for Khabib himself, he has gone on to become one of the greatest fighters of all time, with an undefeated record of 29-0 in MMA.
Would you ever be able to face off against a bear? How do you perceive the Khabib story?
