In a stunning revelation, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov declared that his primary goal was never to inflict harm on his opponents during his illustrious career. Instead, he focused on becoming a world champion and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Nurmagomedov, known as ‘The Eagle,’ acknowledged that while the nature of the sport involves physicality, his intention was always to compete without causing injury. He recounted moments in his fights where he chose to show restraint. For instance, during his final bout against Justin Gaethje, Khabib opted for a triangle choke instead of an armbar, prioritizing Gaethje’s well-being, especially considering the fighter’s parents were watching ringside.

Reflecting on his match against Michael Johnson in 2016, Khabib stated, “I understand he’s not on my level, and I give him advice. When I take his arm, I really can break his arm, and I don’t do this… My goal in this sport was not hurting people. My goal was to become world champion without hurting people.” His emphasis on sportsmanship highlights a contrasting perspective within the often brutal realm of MMA.

Despite his dominant performance throughout his career, including his notorious rivalry with Conor McGregor, Khabib insists that the essence of his journey was about mastery rather than malice.

Now retired, Khabib has shifted his focus to nurturing the next generation of champions. He remains active in the MMA community, training fighters like Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov, who are already making waves in the sport. When asked about a potential return to the octagon, Khabib remained firm: “I’m helping my brothers to become champions… You guys will never miss me because in our team, we create champions.”

As he builds his MMA empire, Khabib’s commitment to shaping future talent ensures his legacy will endure beyond his fighting days.