Khabib Nurmagomedov's gas tank traced to father's training

Khabib Nurmagomedov's legendary conditioning in the octagon may trace back to his late father's grueling daily routine, according to a childhood friend of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

The friend, speaking to UFC Eurasia as reported by Sherdog, said Abdulmanap would bike 13.5 miles to reach his training academy, then run five miles before two hours of wrestling work. This routine happened every single day. "His functional fitness was on a very high level," the friend said. "He had amazing stamina. Looking at him now, it's as if the functional fitness he had was passed down to Khabib."

How Abdulmanap's cardio shaped The Eagle's career

Abdulmanap did not start combat sports training until later in life, but once he committed, his conditioning became exceptional. His friend believes that work ethic and physical capacity transferred directly to Khabib, who suffocated opponents with relentless wrestling pressure across five rounds. "Khabib's functional fitness is just as sharp," the friend told UFC Eurasia. "Manap was no worse, perhaps even better."

Khabib retired undefeated at 29-0 in 2020, shortly after his father died from complications related to COVID-19. He defended the UFC lightweight title three times before walking away.

Abdulmanap coached Khabib and a stable of elite fighters from Dagestan, including current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — The story behind Khabib Nurmagomedov's legendary gas tank