Former UFC light weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov recently revealed the three hunters who inspired him most during his teenage years and revealed the combat sport icons that his martial arts trip formed when he was only 16 years old.
During a performance on Wahed’s Podcast ‘The Muslim Money Experts’ Nurmagomedov opened his early influences in mixed martial arts. The undefeated champion identified Fedor Emelianenko, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Georges St-Pierre as his three favorite hunters during that forming period of his life.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: the three icons who have formed a future champion
Timing Khabibs Revelation corresponds to 2004-2005, when he would have been 16 years old. This period meant a golden era in mixed martial arts, with pride exceptional talent. The year 2005 is particularly striking as legendary in MMA history, with memorable Pride events and versions of the largest athletes of sport.
What makes Khabib’s revelation particularly moving is the emotional impact that these hunters had on him. “When I met them first, it was very emotional for me because I grew up with their fights,” he admitted. This connection between a young prospective hunter and his heroes shows the deep influence that top athletes can have on the next generation.
Fedor Emelianenko: The last emperor
From 2003 to 2007, Fedor Emelianenko was the pride champion heavyweight, generally considered one of the greatest MMA hunters of all time. During the teenage years of Khabib, Fedor was at the height of his dominance, consistently arranged as the best heavyweight hunter from 2003 to 2010. His aggressive boxing style, technical grab and calm attitude in the ring made him a formidable presence in Pride FC’s heavyweight division.
The impressive record of Emelianenko during this period included victories over former UFC champions and K-1 competitors, so that he was established as demonstrably the greatest heavyweight mixed artist of all time. His undefeated line from 28 fights until 2010 showed the level of excellence that the young Khabib witnessed and admired.
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua: The Pride Warrior
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua experienced one of the greatest years in the MMA history in 2005, when he won the Pride Middleweight Grand Prix. His violent and technical style, combined with his success in Pride FC’s tournament size, made him a striking artist during the formative viewing years of Khabib.
The Shogun campaign from 2005 was particularly impressive because he defeated opponents of Topklasse, including Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Alistair Overeem, Lil And Ricardo Arona to claim the victory of the tournament. His aggressive striking, solid struggling and warrior mentality illustrated the Pride FC Fighting Spirit. Later he would capture the UFC title through the first round knockout.
Georges St-Pierre: The strategic perfectionist
Georges St-Pierre represented the pinnacle of technical excellence and strategic fighting during his UFC career. Known for its exceptional athletic skills, fighting IQ and well-completed skills, GSP became a triple UFC champion Welterweight. His methodical approach to fighting and the ability to neutralize the strengths of opponents made him a master tactician in the Octagon.
The influence of St-Pierre reached further than his fighting skills, while he embodied professionalism and sportiness that resonated with aspiring hunters such as Khabib. His record of 33 consecutive rounds won between 2007 and 2011 showed the level of dominance that the young Nurmagomedov saw and tried to strive.
The impact on the development of Khabib
These three hunters represented various aspects of excellence of mixed martial arts that would later manifest themselves in Khabib’s own career. The quiet calmness of Fedor under pressure, the aggressive finishing capacity of Shogun and the strategic dominance of GSP was all elements that Khabib would include in his own fighting philosophy.
Khabib’s choice of heroes also reflects his appreciation for complete hunters that excel in several areas of combat sports. All three strong grip foundations owned effective striking games, a combination that would become Khabib’s own trademark during his undefeated career.
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