At the star-studded PHP Conference in Las Vegas, Patrick Bet-David sat down with legendary Mixed Martial Artist Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov is considered by many to be the best UFC fighter of all time. Boasting a record of 29 wins and 0 losses in his professional career, he was the longest-reigning Lightweight Champion in history. Since his retirement in 2021, Nurmagomedov has transitioned to coaching and showing other fighters the path to success.
Here are some of the highlights from this unforgettable interview:
1. “Be a Professional and a Warrior” – Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Relationship with His Father
As a boy growing up in the Russian Republic of Dagestan, Nurmagomedov’s father pushed him to succeed as a fighter from a young age. “He was a father, a coach, and eventually a friend,” he told PBD.
Under his father’s guidance, Nurmagomedov learned the discipline and skills needed to become a World Champion, training both his body and his mind — and even wrestling a bear in the process.
After his father’s tragic passing in 2020, Nurmagomedov retired from the UFC and doesn’t intend on making a comeback. But even outside the Octagon, the lessons his father taught him have stayed with him, influencing how he raises his own children.
2. “There’s Women and Men, No In-Between” – Nurmagomedov Talks Politics
When asked by PBD about his thoughts on gender ideologies and America’s relationship with Russia, Nurmagomedov made it clear that he tries not to get involved in politics. “In politics, things never stop,” he said. “I just want to be a normal person.”
However, as a native Russian from a small, traditional town, he still had some thoughts to share on the way things are going in the world today. On the subject of gender, the former World Champ has a simple stance: “Women and men, no in-between.”
Regarding the popularity of Russian President Vladimir Putin — who met with Nurmagomedov after one of his major victories — he spoke at length about the cultural differences between Russia and the United States. “It doesn’t take much to be happy over there,” he said, describing what motivates people in his home country.
3. “Shine When the Time Comes” – Nurmagomedov’s Approach to Fighting
According to Nurmagomedov, every fight or challenge brings you to another level … as long as you’re willing to learn and improve in between each one. His father always reminded him that intense pressure creates diamonds and that every fight was a chance to prove it.
Stepping into the Octagon was just as much about mentality as it is about skills, and being the best at both is what helped Nurmagomedov become the best of the best. “When everything comes together, then you can shine,” he said.
4. “Rules, Discipline, and Schedule” – Khabib as a coach
In his post-retirement career as a coach, Nurmagomedov gained a new respect for his father and the other coaches who helped guide him to becoming a World Champion. As he sees it, coaching is all about understanding. You can’t be in someone’s corner without understanding who they are and what motivates them to succeed.
He also reflected on all the things his father provided that allowed him to focus on becoming an unbeatable fighter. “Stay focused,” Nurmagomedov’s father told him. “Your time will come.”
While he trains others to develop that same focus, he emphasizes “rules, discipline, and schedules,” which he said were essential to functioning within America’s unlimited freedom.
And regarding discipline and parenting, he agrees that maybe American fathers should teach their sons to wrestle bears.
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