Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record as lightweight champion. Since stepping away from competition, he’s focused on coaching elite fighters including Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani legend has also become increasingly vocal about his traditional values and cultural beliefs. He’s never hidden his conservative views on various social issues throughout his career and retirement. Those opinions sometimes clash with Western perspectives on equality and opportunities in sports globally.

Recently, he addressed his stance on women competing in MMA during public comments. The retired champion explained his position based on biological differences between men and women. His comments immediately generated controversy across the MMA community and beyond with strong reactions from fans.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov Explains His Traditional Viewpoint

Khabib Nurmagomedov has been consistent about his more traditional beliefs regarding women in combat sports throughout his career. He’s never wavered from expressing these views despite criticism from Western media and fans. The former champion bases his opinions on cultural and religious teachings from his upbringing in Dagestan. While talking at the Sun Hills Development, Nurmagomedov stated plainly: 

“Every person in life has a mission. For a man, it’s to raise children, take care of the family, take care of loved ones. There are very few women who take on big responsibilities. It’s very hard for them. It’s not without reason. God created it this way: A woman is weaker, a man is stronger. People want to change and mix all of this. I don’t know how you feel about it, but I like when a man does men’s work, and a woman does women’s work.”.

Khabib’s perspective reflects cultural values from his Muslim faith and Dagestani upbringing specifically. In his community, traditional gender roles remain deeply ingrained despite global movements toward equality. Women are expected to fulfill different societal functions than men according to these conservative belief systems.

The retired champion’s comments contrast sharply with the growth of women’s MMA over the past decade. The UFC has built an entire roster of female fighters across multiple weight divisions. Stars like Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, and Zhang Weili have proven women can compete at the highest levels. Their accomplishments have helped legitimize women’s MMA as a major draw for promotions worldwide.

Khabib Nurmagomedov remains one of the most respected figures in MMA history despite these controversial views. His perfect record and dominant performances earned him legendary status that won’t disappear overnight. But his comments about women fighting will certainly challenge his reputation among fans who support equality. 

(Image Credit: Imagn)

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