“Trained me personally” - Akbar Abdullaev recalls training with MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov in his early days in Dagestan

Training with Khabib Nurmagomedov is an experience that Akbar Abdullaev will forever treasure in his professional MMA career.

In a recent interview with ONE Championship, the Kyrgyzstani knockout artist reflected on his time training alongside the former UFC lightweight world champion just days before he faces China’s Tang Kai for the ONE featherweight MMA world title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, January 10.

He said:

“When I just arrived, Khabib [Nurmagomedov] trained me personally for one day, and later he attended my training sessions a couple of times.”

Abdullaev made a memorable journey to Dagestan, Russia, a region known for producing world-class wrestlers and grapplers, as part of his preparation for his bout with Halil Amir at ONE Fight Night 22 in May 2024.

'Bakal' emerged victorious in that matchup, securing a second-round knockout with a left hook that positioned him as the next challenger for Tang’s crown.

That spectacular finish also earned Abdullaev a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Carrying the lessons learned from Nurmagomedov, Abdullaev aims to deliver another remarkable performance against the highly touted Tang at ONE Fight Night 27, set to be broadcast live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Akbar Abduallaev isn’t the only rising star on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s radar

Akbar Abdullaev is not the only ONE rising star who has caught the attention of Khabib Nurmagomedov.

In September 2024, during a speaking engagement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nurmagomedov extended an offer to Muay Thai phenom Johan Ghazali.

This gesture from the UFC Hall of Famer is a significant endorsement for Ghazali, who has been making waves as a Muay Thai athlete under the promotion’s banner.

The 18-year-old striker is considering a move to MMA, and with Nurmagomedov's support, this transition could become a reality sooner rather than later.

However, for now, Ghazali’s focus remains on his upcoming flyweight Muay Thai bout against fellow prospect Johan Estupinan at ONE 170 on January 24.