Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) descends on Dubai on February 7 with a 13-bout card that serves as a definitive statement of intent from the camp of Khabib Nurmagomedov, a huge fan favourite in the UAE even after retiring as an undefeated UFC lightweight champion with a 29–0 record.
While the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the main attraction, Usman Nurmagomedov, who defends his status against the unpredictable Alfie Davis, the event is designed to showcase the terrifying depth of a stable that the former UFC champion believes is currently the best in the world.
Seven fighters representing Team Khabib with origins from Dagestan, Russia, and the man himself, spoke to Aletihad at the BUKA Gym in Dubai. Every fighter was unequivocal that being part of the Nurmagomedov camp is a role defined by extreme pressure and absolute discipline.
Renat Khavalov, one of two prospects tipped for a bright future by Khabib, and Amru Magomedov being the other, detailed the gruelling nature of the preparation. “The training camp started three weeks ago and it was big pressure from Habib’s side especially,” Khavalov said. “[The] level [of training] almost broke me, but we keep going and training.”
He further described the mental toll of the sessions, stating: “He pressures so much that you are in the condition that you are already tired, but he gets you to keep going, keep pushing yourself to that limit, which already makes you leave the gym without even smiling because there’s no energy to smile.”
The elder Nurmagomedov has been vocal in his belief that the world has yet to see the full potential of his proteges, specifically pointing to Khavalov and Amru Magomedov as future icons of the sport. During the interaction with the media, Khabib singled them out as the elite of the division. “I really want people to pay attention, because I don’t think somebody in the world can beat these guys,” Khabib said. “I’ve been in this sport so many years, and these two guys, I don’t think many people can even give them a hard time.”
Amru, who transitioned from a striking background to the wrestling-heavy Dagestani system, credited the camp with his total evolution as a fighter. “I was not good in my wrestling at all, but now I think I’m super good with that,” he explained. Amru noted that the mental toughness required comes directly from the top. “The best every single day, it should be the best, you have to be the best. You enter the gym, you have to forget everything, just focus on where you are, your training and all that, that’s it.”
Khabib remains unapologetic about the strict environment he fosters, noting that the results are visible in the success of his wards. On his role as a mentor, he was candid about the demands he places on the team. “If I sacrifice my time, energy, knowledge, so many things, of course they’re going to listen,” he said. “They don’t have a choice.”
He also emphasised that while the main event draws the crowds, the technical level of the undercard is equally high. “I really want people understand, these guys, maybe they are not very famous but in skills they are very high-level fighters.”
Regarding the main attraction, Khabib cautioned Usman against taking his opponent lightly. “I don’t think Alfie Davis is going to be an easy fight for us,” he warned. “I really don’t want Usman underestimating him because he’s a champion, a Grand Prix champion, and he’s a very tough opponent.”
With seven fighters ready to compete, the PFL Race to Dubai stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Nurmagomedov name in the Middle East.
