Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
The Russian government congratulates Khabib Nurmagomedov who retained the world lightweight title after beating Justin Gaethje in UFC 254.
Russian government’s congratulations revealed press secretary President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov. Quoted from RTPeskov said the Russian government was very pleased with Khabib’s victory and supported The Eagle’s retirement decision.
“We are happy with Khabib’s victory. Congratulations to him. Then it is up to Khabib’s choice,” Peskov said.
Khabib has a good relationship with Putin. The 32-year-old fighter was invited by Putin after defeating Conor McGregor in the UFC 229 fight in October 2018. At that time Khabib invited his late father, Abdulmanap, to meet Putin.
Khabib Nurmagomedov received congratulations from the Russian government. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images / AFP) |
Putin also reportedly helped Abdulmanap while struggling to recover from heart disease and Covid-19 before he died on July 3, 2020. The claim was revealed by Khabib’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz.
“Khabib has been in contact with Vladimir Putin for the last few days, and he promises Khabib’s father will receive the best medical care available,” Abdelaziz told ESPN.
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Khabib is considered to make Russia proud through the UFC. Unfortunately, until his retirement, one of Khabib’s dreams of defending the UFC lightweight world title in Russia never materialized.
The chairman of the Spartak Moscow Board of Directors, Leonid Fedun, had offered the Otkritie Arena as the location for the UFC Khabib battle in Russia.
“This event could be one of the brightest, not only in UFC history, but all Russian sports, because Khabib has never fought at home,” said Fedun.
(har / nva)
[Gambas:Video CNN]
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