JAKARTA - Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has never hidden his love for football and the club Real Madrid. Now, his dream of becoming a professional player has come true after the 32-year-old joined the Russian third division club, FC Legion Dynamo.
There have been calls for the 29-0 MMA and 13-0 UFC owner to return to the octagon after announcing his retirement on October 24.
He often refused because he could not imagine fighting without the presence of his father, Abdulmanap, who died from complications due to COVID-19. However, instead, he will start a new adventure in football.
Khabib's football dream
A number of videos showing Khabib playing football with four-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf in the United Arab Emirates have circulated in recent months.
And a number of reports later emerged of football teams willing to offer contracts to former UFC stars, including FC Kamaz in Russia's third division.
"Playing football at a professional level was a childhood dream. Of course, I had such a desire. After all, football is the king of the sport", Khabib told Match TV in early 2021, reported by MARCA.
"With whom I don't talk about this! I have spoken even with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, with the PSG owner, and even with Cristiano Ronaldo".
Khabib admits that there are two clubs in his heart - Spartak Moscow and Real Madrid - but they appear to be out of his league at this stage.
"Spartak is great, but it's a domestic level. My dream club is Real Madrid", he admitted.
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"In fact, the first game I remember for the full 90 minutes was Real Madrid vs Juventus in 1998 [Champions League final]. I remember [Pedja] Mijatovic scoring from an offside position, but we won anyway".
Then, on Friday, August 13, the news that Khabib had signed for FC Legion Dynamo in Russia broke. The move was even officially revealed by the club through a post on social media showing Khabib shaking the hand of a club official.
"Our Legion has a great battle ahead and we need great fighters for that. Get ready to face the RPL team with Khabib", the caption reads.
Finally, Khabib has the opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional footballer, in addition to helping his UFC protege, Islam Makhachev, reach his potential.
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