UFC lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov has an old-school approach when it comes to fighting: Alcohol and women are a no-no if you want to be the best in the world.
Speaking with Russian media outlet ProSports.ru, (translated by MixedMartialArts.com), “The Eagle” explained why he has sworn off grabbing a drink or having an impromptu date with a female fan on the weekends.
There are fighters in America who can drink on Friday and Saturday. After an event I saw it myself in the hotel – 80% of them are already drunk. Not the champs but middle-of-the-pack guys, guys like one win, two losses. A couple of times they called me with them to the club. I told them I’m a Muslim. And they were like ‘Come on, we know two Muslims and they visit the clubs with us all the time!’ … Alcohol and girls stand in a way of an athlete, they spoil him and make him weak.
While some may say that the 25-year-old’s point of view is outdated, it’s flat-out impossible to argue with the results.
Nurmagomedov, the No. 3 lightweight in the world, according to the UFC’s official rankings, is 22-0 as a professional mixed martial artist—including a 6-0 run inside the Octagon.
Many agree that his recent convincing win over perennial contender Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 11 in April proved he’s ready for the big time.
The American Kickboxing Academy standout was briefly linked to what would’ve likely been a title eliminator bout with WEC import Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 178 but had to withdraw almost immediately due to a knee injury, per MMA Fighting.
His co-manager, Mike Constantino, later confirmed that Nurmagomedov tore his right meniscus and would therefore be on the sidelines for at least six months, per MMA Junkie.
Up to this point, Nurmagomedov is yet to meet an opponent who has an answer for his takedowns and smothering top game. Plus, his striking chops continue to improve.
Should other fighters start following Nurmagomedov‘s lead and leave the partying lifestyle behind completely, or is this training theory simply not necessary in this day and age?
John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
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