Russian oligarch who sponsored Khabib Nurmagomedov handed prison sentence over criminal charges

Russian billionaire oligarch Ziyavudin Magomedov, a friend of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has been handed a 19-year prison sentence on charges of embezzling funds and organized crime.

Per Karim Zidan of Bloodyelbow.com, Magomedov will be taken to a maximum security prison to see out his sentence after it was discovered that he and his brother had hidden nearly $180 million worth of assets from the Russian government.

Magomedov was at one time one of the richest men in Russia and an avid sports fan. This led to him investing in multiple combat sports organizations such as the Eagles MMA fight team, which Khabib Nurmagomedov briefly served as president of.

The 54-year-old was also a supporter of 'The Eagle' and his career in the UFC. The billionaire helped finance many fighters on the roster, including Nurmagomedov. The oligarch is even on record to have paid for the former lightweight champion's back surgery in 2017.

At UFC 223, when Khabib Nurmagomedov won the 155lbs title against Al Iaquinta, 'The Eagle' even used his post-fight interview as a plea to Russian president Vladimir Putin. Nurmagomedov asked if the Russian leader could help Ziyavudin Magomedov, who had originally been arrested for the crimes in 2017:

"Our elder brother, co-owner of our team, Ziyavudin Magomedov, is in a difficult situation. He was very helpful to me and other athletes from Russia. Now he has problems, but I want him to know that we, the athletes, are praying for him. I believe that this situation will soon be resolved. I hope that our leader Vladimir Putin will help him."

Watch the post-fight interview here:

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Murad Ramazanov explains why Khabib Nurmagomedov is a role model to Dagestani fighters

ONE Championship welterweight Murad Ramazanov has explained the impact Khabib Nurmagomedov has had on his career as well as other Dagestani fighters who looked up to him.

The 27-year-old is currently undefeated as a professional (11-0-1NC) and believes he is on track to emulate the success of his hero.

Speaking to ONE Championship, Ramazanov was asked about the impact of 'The Eagle' on not only his career but other young fighters from Dagestan who are looking to have successful MMA careers. The welterweight said:

“We all looked up to Khabib. He was one of us, a guy from Dagestan who was proud of his heritage, of his fighting style, who was respected. He became a champion. People respected him. We looked at Khabib and believed that it was possible for us, too, one day. His influence on the region is huge.”

He added:

“Khabib opened his own school and kids respect him. I think he keeps many of them off the street. Even if they don't become professional athletes, they'll get a lot of useful experience in the gym. He gives them more than training, they get educated through sports.”