Dubai is my second home… and a place where we feel we belong

Mixed martial arts legend Habib Nurmagomedov confirmed that Dubai is an essential partner in the success of the sport globally, pointing to his deep connection to the “Danth of the World,” which he described as his “second home,” during a press conference before the “Road to Dubai” fight, scheduled to be held on the seventh of next February at the Coca-Cola Arena, organized by the Professional Fighters Association, and in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Economy.

Khabib Nurmagomedov said: “Dubai is not just a stop for us, but a place where we feel we belong. “We are very close to the Arabs and Islamic culture, and the adaptation here was natural and smooth. Training in Dubai gives us great support, both on the professional and humanitarian levels.”

He pointed to the integrated relationship between Dubai and the sport of mixed martial arts, stressing that what Dubai offers to this sector has contributed to the creation of combat events that are considered among the most successful in the world. He said: “When Dubai embraced the Professional Fighters Association, it did not limit itself to organizing, but rather participated in creating success. The full filling of the stands every time is clear evidence of this success, and of the great vision that Dubai and the Emirates have in supporting global sports.” Nurmagomedov said that this period has a special character for him, explaining that the challenge this time is not limited to the technical aspect inside the cage, but rather extends to the emotional and human dimension, in light of the participation of a number of his cousins ​​alongside his close friends.

He explained: “We do not just represent a team, but rather one family. When you see your cousins ​​and your closest friends preparing to fight fights of this size, you feel the weight of responsibility, and you feel that every step and every decision has greater meaning.”

Nurmagomedov responded to conversations indicating that his team’s fighters are getting their chances because of his name: “Many are talking about the name, but have they looked at the numbers? Numbers don’t lie, the number of wins, titles, and belts achieved by each fighter speaks for itself. We live in a modern and changing sport that develops every year, and whoever does not prove himself inside the cage has no place, whatever his name.”

Habib Nurmagomedov touched on the main fight, which is led by his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, explaining that the media focus on him does not diminish the value of the rest of the fighters participating in the tournament. He said: “Everyone is talking about Usman because he is leading the main fight, but there are other fighters who you will see are the best in their categories, even if their names are not yet known to the public. This tournament is their opportunity to shine, prove themselves, and leave their mark in front of the Dubai fans.”

At the conclusion of his statements, Nurmagomedov sent a direct message to his cousin Usman, saying: “I hope he does not underestimate his competitor this time. The fight will not be easy, and it must live up to the name of the organization and the level of the fans of Dubai, who deserve to watch a confrontation worthy of their status and the world’s confidence in them.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov:

. Dubai fans deserve to watch a confrontation worthy of their status and the world’s confidence in them.

. Training in Dubai gives us great support on a professional and humanitarian level.