"I think the flame went out a little" - Khabib Nurmagomedov claims there's been a "dip" in popularity of MMA as a sport in recent years 

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov recently offered his thoughts on the possible decline in the popularity of MMA in recent years.

In a recent interview with UFC Russia, the former lightweight champ admitted that he is not as enthusiastic about MMA as he once was. 'The Eagle' asserted that there has been a fall in the popularity of the sport recently.

However, Nurmagomedov lauded the UFC for building a strong PR network that will help them flourish in the business for years to come.

Expressing his thoughts on the sport, the Dagestani fighter said:

"Maybe it's because the flame inside me went out but I think there's been a dip in MMA. That's what I think. I could be wrong. Everyone has their viewpoint. I think the flame went out a little, that there was a decline. There will always be stars. UFC's PR machine is strong. Say what you will but they created a powerful machine in the last 30 years. They will ignite the flame. But I don't wake up early to watch fights anymore."

Watch the full interview of Khabib Nurmagomedov with UFC Russia below:

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Khabib Nurmagomedov opens up about social responsibilities that comes with being influential

In another interaction with UFC Russia, former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov discussed the various responsibilitcomehat comes with being influential in Russia.

Speaking on the matter, 'The Eagle' said:

"I do feel like I have a social responsibility. A huge one. It sometimes puts pressure on me, but I'm more or less used to it. When you accept it and move forward it becomes easier. Some people don't realize it and say something wrong and find themselves in unpleasant situations. I try to not let that happen."

Further, the lightweight-great also spoke on how he deals with such kind of pressure:

"It's a matter of how you handle it. If I were to fight my internal self, I'd have problems somewhere in my 34 years of life. I just am who I am. I don't need to put on a mask, I just am who I am... You just need to give yourself time to mature then you'll realize where you've made mistakes, what you should've done differently."

You can check out Khabib Nurmagomedov discussing his social responsibilities: