Issue 185
December 2019
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s appeal is growing worldwide and seemingly hitting a younger demographic.
Evidence, were it needed, that the Russian fighter might be the hottest property in the UFC right now, is seen here in a picture taken on September 4, 2019 at the Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. It was the location for Khabib’s Open Workout ahead of his UFC 242 clash with Dustin Poirier. Not only is the youngster sporting the trademark papakha, but his T-shirt shows an awareness of the Dagestani fighter’s oft-repeated refrain in the build-up to his Conor McGregor showdown, “Send Me Location.” It’s Khabib’s update of the traditional call-out and one which he backs up each time he fights. Poirier was, of course, swept aside, leaving one young fan at least, very happy indeed.
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