Nurmagomedov didn’t even bat an eyelash.
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was in the United Kingdom last weekend making a number of public appearances. In addition to his stint at the Arnold Classic — where “The Eagle” was ambushed by fellow MMA retiree Georges St-Pierre — Nurmagomedov was also the featured speaker for SKT Welfare, the Muslim charity organization based in West Yorkshire, England.
Unfortunately for Nurmagomedov, and the lackadaisical security charged with crowd control, one overzealous fan decided to jump onstage to … well, I’m not sure what his intentions were but it looked like he wanted a hug or maybe even a handshake, based on his post-leap body language.
Nurmagomedov was not amused.
“Guys, I come from other part of world here to see you guys and you know, I think I deserve some respect too,” Nurmagomedov said after the sneak attack. “Thank you. Around the world I have big, big support from my people who have same views like I have and I really believe here we have same views and please, take care of your kids. This is our future. This is most important. Thank you guys.”
Nurmagomedov, 33, retired in back in Aug. 2020 after submitting Justin Gaethje, improving his undefeated record to 29-0. Top lightweight contender Charles Oliveira went on to win the vacant lightweight crown by toppling Michael Chandler at UFC 262.
Oliveira will defend his title opposite Dustin Poirier in December.