Khabib Nurmagomedov recalls Abdulmanap expelling Makhachev from gym
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 3:39 AM
Last updated Jul 16, 2026
Khabib Nurmagomedov shared a story of his father, Abdulmanap, expelling Islam Makhachev and dozens of others from their gym in Dagestan due to haircuts. Makhachev and some teammates returned shortly after, having cut their hair. Abdulmanap believed that grooming reflected a fighter's dedication to training and emphasized that physical appearance should convey strength and respect, not fancy hairstyles.
- •Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov enforced strict grooming standards in his gym.
- •Islam Makhachev was expelled along with about 50 others for their haircuts.
- •Khabib recalls Makhachev returning to the gym after getting a haircut.
- •Abdulmanap taught fighters to focus on strength and cleanliness over appearance.
- •The story emphasizes the dedication required to train under Abdulmanap.
- 3:39 AMYahoo Sports — Why Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov once expelled Islam Makhachev from his gym
"Even Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s favorite student, Islam Makhachev, wasn’t allowed concessions with his haircut.
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