Despite pressure from local media and officials, Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to resist a potential career in politics.
During a recent interview, the UFC lightweight champion revealed that he is yet to consider a career in politics, admitting that he doubts he would be an ideal candidate for key political roles given his background.
“I consider myself a “3” out of “5” educated, but I spent my whole life on the mat, in the gym and in the octagon. To lead the whole republic – there are so many things – a specialist is needed.”
In 2018, Nurmagomedov was reportedly offered a position as an assistant to Vladimir Vasilyev, the Head of the Republic of Dagestan. The offer was discussed when Nurmagomedov met with the Head of Dagestan to receive the highest award in his native republic, the Order of Merit for the Republic of Dagestan.
Vasilyev revealed during the award ceremony that he wants the fighter to “cooperate in the interests of Dagestan and Russia” through the advancement of the sports to which he “dedicated his entire life to.”
While a role combining Nurmagomedov’s athletic prowess with domestic politics would arguably be realistic for Khabib, he insisted that there are “people who can run the republic better than me.”
I am 31, and I have never been in charge of anything, I have no experience in politics to lead anything. We have many worthy candidates in our republic. These conversations will always take place, and I always have exactly this attitude.”
Nurmagomedov is scheduled to defend his lightweight title in a unification bout against Justin Gaethje on October 24, 2020 at UFC 254.
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