Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion who retired undefeated with a 29-0 record, is arguably one of the greatest – if not the greatest – fighters ever to enter the Octagon.
He was known during his time in the UFC, and since, for his amiable persona – notwithstanding that McGregor rivalry – and brutal mauling style of fighting. Since retiring, however, Khabib’s comments on various issues have sparked minor controversy. He’s earned the ire of one of his most unlikely critics yet.
Candace Owens Calls Out Khabib
Conservative political commentator Candace Owens. Khabib earned Owens’ attention first by weighing in on Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal’s public altercation last week. Khabib took to Twitter to call on welterweights to boycott Covington until he stops talking smack about his opponents’ families.
“If you are stronger than someone inside the Octagon, it does not mean that you can insult his children. No one has the right to insult someone’s family. Once you have gone down this path, then be ready to back up your words.
You were attacked by professional fighter, the same as you are, your own size, and you go press charges against him to the police?
I think all welterweights should refuse to fight Colby, just don’t accept fights with him, let him sit without a fight, it will probably significantly affect him and all fighters who even think of insulting families, who is provoking the fighters to look for someone in restaurants to deal with him.”
Owens reacted to a retweet calling Khabib – who grew up fighting bears in Russia’s mountainous Dagestan province – “soft”.
“Right? This is so embarrassing. Calling for a boycott. He better go buy a p*ssy hat and join the NBA. MMA is a man’s sport.”
Ignoring the obvious point that the UFC boasts a well-publicised and popular women’s division, Candace Owens is clearly digging in here in support of Colby Covington possibly on the grounds that Jorge Masvidal’s savage cowardly sucker punching attack was disgusting. Perhaps Khabib doesn’t understand that there are laws against assaulting people because you don’t like what they say.
Khabib retired from MMA competition following his title defense against Justin Gaethje, ending one of the most dominant careers in MMA history. He since started his own promotion, Eagle FC, and continues to train surging UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev.
Of course, Khabib isn’t likely to entertain Owens’ comment. He had no idea who Drake was back in 2018, so he’s probably no clue as to who Candace Owens is, either. Has Khabib gone soft? Let us know what you think in the comments.
