Middle East-Based Champ Reveals Role In UFC Scouting Khabib Nurmagomedov

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is undoubtedly one of the top names in the promotion right now even if he is retired. But the Russian’s rise is unprecedented and not many know how he got there in the first place.

The best person to tell that tale is perhaps one of his close friends, BRAVE CF super lightweight champion Eldar Eldarov.

He was taken in by Khabib’s father-trainer Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov when he was only 14 and even had the chance to fight “The Eagle.”

Nurmagomedov won via second-round technical knockout over Eldarov although the latter claims it was nothing more than an amicable fight. They both became close friends after that with both simply following one dream of making a name for themselves in the sport.

“The fight was short notice. We only agreed to fight each other because we were both desperate to find fights,” Eldarov explained. “After the fight, we were together celebrating like nothing happened between us in the cage.”

The 29-year-old added that both did crazy things during those days. But there is perhaps nothing crazier than helping Nurmagomedov find his way to the UFC.

At that time, “The Eagle” was already on the UFC radar. The only problem then was that things were not gaining much ground.

Eldarov thought of reaching out to the promotion since he could speak English and was on Facebook. From there, he was able to figure it out and piece it together.

“At one point, I was told, ‘You know, we have a friend who works with Dana White (UFC president).’ They were asking about Shamil Zavurov. But M-1 Global would not let him go,” Eldarov recalled.

It took a lot to work, including creating a fighter’s profile for Nurmagomedov that required them to jot down the Russian’s list of fights as well as tons of videos. The effort paid off and the application was accepted.

The UFC eventually sent a contract that delighted the elder Nurmagomedov who cautioned Eldarov to go over it carefully.

“We signed the contract immediately, but he (Abdulmanap) constantly reminded me to read it. He frequently asked questions like ‘What will they do in case of injury?’ or ‘Will there be medical insurance?’ Things like that. He just wanted Khabib to be safe,” Eldarov stated.

The reaction of Khabib is priceless based on Eldarov’s recollection. The unbeaten fighter had a hard time believing it, and it was not until the next morning when the contract was printed when everything sunk in.

The Dagestani made his UFC debut in 2012, winning over Kamal Shalorus with a rear-naked choke in the third round. Years later, he would capture the UFC lightweight title which he still holds to this day.

Like Nurmagomedov, Eldarov is out to sustain his success in BRAVE CF. He will defend the title against Leonardo Mafra at BRAVE 46 in Sochi on Jan. 16. Surely, Nurmagomedov will be watching.