November 2, 2024

Video: Khabib Nurmagomedov receives hero’s welcome in return to Dagestan

MMAfighting.com

Khabib Nurmagomedov has spoken often of the massive following he has in his native Dagestan, and if his return home on Monday was any indication, he wasn’t kidding.

The newly crowned undisputed UFC lightweight champion was swarmed by a legion of his fans as he touched down at Uytash Airport in Makhachkala on Monday. Nurmagomedov is just two days removed from defeating Al Iaquinta to earn himself a world title in the main event of UFC 223, which took place in Brooklyn.

Nurmagomedov took a moment to address the crowd in his native Russian:

Denis Geyko@DenisGeykoRT

.@TeamKhabib speaks to his fans as he arrived at Uytash Airport in Makhachkala, Dagestan

He was then feted by dancers who performed a national folk routine in his honor:

Denis Geyko@DenisGeykoRT

National folk dance performed by locals as @TeamKhabib arrives to Uytash airport in Makhachkala, Dagestan

Nurmagomedov’s father and coach Abdulmanap, who was unable to be in attendance at UFC 223 due to visa issues, joined in on the festivities and cut a rug for his son.

Denis Geyko@DenisGeykoRT

.@TeamKhabib‘s father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov performs folk dance as his son arrives to Dagestan

With the win Saturday, Nurmagomedov improved to 10-0 in the UFC and 26-0 overall in his pro MMA career. At this rate, we can expect to see plenty more celebrations in his future.

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