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Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts to the recent death of boxer Maxim Dadashev.
Tragedy once again struck the combat sports world with the recent death of boxer Maxim Dadashev. The 28-year-old Russian pugilist succumbed to brain injuries after an 11th round TKO loss to Subriel Matias during an IBF junior welterweight number one contender fight on Friday.
Such events always serve as a reminder of the brutal nature of fighting. UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov himself was shaken up by Dadashev’s passing, that it made him reassess his own purpose for being involved with the sport.
“This case proves once again that sport is not the most important thing. There are things that are much more important,” Khabib stated in a recent Instagram post (via Google Translate). “Every time I see or hear such news, I begin to hate this sport in which we beat each other.
“Everything is temporary, fame, money, titles, and our whole life, we all leave this world, no one will remain. It is worth thinking.
“Patience to all relatives and friends of Maxim,” he concluded. “Do good and may the Most High reward us for our deeds and deeds in the next life, and forgive us our sins.
The 30-year-old Khabib has been a long-time competitor in both Combat Sambo and professional mixed martial arts. He is set to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 on September 7th in Abu Dhabi, to unify the UFC lightweight titles.