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As is known, Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to retire as a mixed style fighter (MMA) on October 25, 2020, WIB. The decision was made after winning over Justin Gaethje in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 254 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). (See Graphic: Rows of UFC Muslim Fighters)
The victory earned Khabib Nurmagomedov the right to hold the UFC lightweight title belt. He also managed to extend his unbeaten run to 29-0. The record has made calls for the 32-year-old fighter to be given the title of Russian hero even stronger.
Yes, Khabib Nurmagomedov is indeed the pride of Russian society. Not surprisingly, his face murals are scattered in several areas such as Chelyabinsk. Unfortunately, the discourse to make the man from the Dagestan region a hero has been met negatively.
Reporting from Russia Today, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mural in Chelyabinsk was scribbled by an unknown person. The black graffiti reads ‘He is not our hero’, referring to calls for making him a national hero.
The discourse has indeed generated controversy. One of Russia’s most famous boxers, Kostya Tszyu, also opposed it. He considered the title of hero still not worthy of being given. The title honorary doctor (honoris causa) is perhaps more appropriate.
“Russian hero? What for? Honorary Doctor for sports probably can. Yes, he deserves the title, “said Kostya Tszyu, quoted from Russia Today.
“I do not understand. As much as I respect him for what he has done, those two things (sport and heroism) cannot be compared, ”said the 51-year-old man.
The title of Russian warrior is the highest title given by the government to someone who has served the country and society through heroic actions. What Khabib Nurmagomedov did on the octagon ring was impressive, but not quite categorized as heroic.
“For me, a hero is someone who sacrifices himself for others. Firefighters, members of the military who save other people, ”said former Russian MMA fighter Alexander Shlemenko.
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