Conor McGregor vs Khabib: The five things you need to know about the reigning UFC lightweight champion
The unbeaten Russian became champion by outpointing late replacement Al Iaquinta at UFC 223 in April
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Khabib Nurmagomedov makes the first defence of his UFC lightweight title against Conor McGregor at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this weekend.
The unbeaten Russian became champion by outpointing late replacement Al Iaquinta at UFC 223 in April, just a few days after it was announced McGregor would be relieved of the belt because of inactivity.
The 30-year-old boasts a flawless professional record and is one of the most feared men in the sport.
Here, we take a look at five things you may not know about the 30-year-old Dagestani ahead of UFC 229.
Distinctive headwear
Nurmagomedov distinguishes himself by donning a sizeable woolly hat when he weighs in as well as immediately before and after his bouts. The item of clothing is known as a papakha (pronounced puh-pah-hah) and is traditionally worn by men throughout the Caucasus. Nurmagomedov's particular brand is seemingly in tribute to his Avar roots and is made of shaggy sheep's skin and wool, then adjusted with a basic rope.
Best of enemies
Almost four years ago to the day, Nurmagomedov paid tribute to McGregor after the Irishman dispatched Dustin Poirier to move one step closer to the UFC featherweight title. The respect between both fighters was quite evident here but that has given way to outright hostility in the intervening years as they have become rivals. The enmity took on a personal edge in April following McGregor's bus attack in apparent response to his friend Artem Lobov's confrontation with Nurmagomedov.
Streak and records
The UFC's first Russian-born champion will be bidding to extend the longest unbeaten streak in mixed martial arts against McGregor, having defeated all 26 of his previous opponents - 10 by decision and eight knockouts and stoppages apiece. Nurmagomedov also holds the UFC record for number of takedowns in a single fight, managing to bring Abel Trujillo to the mat on 21 occasions out of 27 attempts in their three-round contest in May 2013.
Insta-fame
Nurmagomedov has built up quite a following on social media and Instagram, in particular. He is quite prolific on the platform with more than 3,000 posts and has amassed six million followers, with only McGregor boasting a greater number among UFC fighters. Many of Nurmagomedov's updates centre on the day job, his training habits and his Muslim faith.
Real football fan
Real Madrid fan Nurmagomedov was invited to attend the Spanish giants' LaLiga fixture against Real Sociedad in February. Real ran out 5-2 winners thanks to a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed his jersey and presented the shirt and a ball to Nurmagomedov. In return, Nurmagomedov gave the Portuguese talisman, now at Juventus, one of his papakha hats. Nurmagomedov also supports Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments