Khabib Nurmagomedov’s remarkable accomplishments inside the Octagon more than compensate for his lack of a well-formed ear.
What is the story behind Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ears? Can they be fixed? (Source: thesun.co.uk/Pinterest)
Even in retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov remains a name that holds true to the essence of MMA. The Dagestani fighter was a legend in his own right. With an impressive record of 29-0 in MMA and 13-0 in the UFC, ‘The Eagle’ holds the record for the longest undefeated reign in the lightweight division. A recurring joke in the combat sports community is to “never start a fight with someone with a cauliflower ear.” This only adds to the ferocity and legacy of the fighter.
Outside of the fight game, Nurmagomedov receives recognition for his illustrious career and is active on social media. He acquired the Russian-based company Gorilla Fighting Championship and rebranded it as ‘Eagle Fighting Championship.’ He also supports his friend [name]. During a 2022 interview on the ‘Full Send’ Podcast, he addressed the question of whether he can hear properly and if his ears can be fixed. He stated:
Khabib has cauliflower ear, also known as wrestler’s ear, which is caused by direct trauma to the blood vessels in the outer ear. Although it swells up when these vessels burst, resulting in a distinct deformity, there is no evidence to suggest that his legacy stems from the appearance of his ears. His achievements speak for themselves. He is a two-time Combat Sambo Champion and a veteran of ProFC. Additionally, Fight Matrix has ranked him as the greatest lightweight of all time.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cauliflower ears tell the story of a man who has been involved in numerous fights. [insert image link]
Following his retirement, Nurmagomedov was regarded as the pound-for-pound number one fighter until 2021. He received the World Sports Star of the Year award in 2020 and the Submission of the Year award in 2021. He was also honored with an ESPY Award for Best MMA Fighter. This recognition was for his second-round submission victory over [name] at UFC 254, which marked his retirement from the sport.
Even outside of the fighting realm, the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov remains one of the most prominent figures in sports.
Nurmagomedov made his debut in 2012, defeating [name] via third-round submission. He went on to compile an impressive winning streak, defeating notable opponents such as [names]. After a series of injuries and fight cancellations, Nurmagomedov finally received his shot at the UFC lightweight title in April 2018. He faced [name] at UFC 223 and emerged victorious.
Following UFC 254, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement. The decision was influenced by personal reasons, including the passing of his father and coach. In an interview on the ‘Full Send’ Podcast, he clarified the authenticity of his retirement:
Contrary to popular belief, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement was not driven by any ulterior motives, as he stated. It was not a ploy to promote a certain idea or to secure more lucrative fight purses. It was a pure instinct. He emphasized that at the time of his retirement, he was in peak physical condition, so health was not a concern.
This further demonstrates his unwavering determination as a well-rounded fighter with an exceptional legacy. Khabib knew his capabilities and made the choice to move forward. However, his legacy extends beyond himself. His cousin [name] once remarked that Khabib’s mental strength and resilience taught him valuable lessons, even in the absence of his physical presence.