Khabib Nurmagomedov: MMA champ, who beat Conor McGregor, once wrestled a bear

All you need to know about Khabib Nurmagomedov, the Russian mixed martial arts athlete who defeated Conor McGregor:

- Nicknamed the Eagle of Dagestan, Khabib Nurmagomedov is a two-time Combat Sambo World Champion and the reigning undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion.

- The Russian made his MMA pro debut in September 2008 and had soon wrapped up four wins in as many weeks.


- With 27 wins, Nurmagomedov has the longest unbeaten streak in MMA and is the first from his country to win a UFC title.

- The 30-year-old started taking interest in the sport after he saw some students practicing and training in the gym.

- At the age of nine, the reigning champion wrestled a bear as part of his training. He also learnt Judo, combat sambo (a Russian martial art form) that he credits with helping him.

- Nurmagomedov is married with two children and is an avid fan of Russian football club Anzhi Makhachkala.

- Following his victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229, Nurmagomedov jumped the cage and charged toward McGregor’s cornerman Dillon Danis, who provoked Nurmagomedov with trash talk from outside the cage.

- Both McGregor and Nurmagomedov have since been suspended from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the brawl.