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Why Shara Magomedov Was Once Banned from Khabib’s Father’s Gym
Shara “Bullet” Magomedov has quickly become one of the UFC’s most exciting rising stars. Since his electrifying debut in 2023, the Dagestani striker has carved his own path in mixed martial arts, prioritizing kickboxing over the wrestling-heavy traditions of his homeland.
This weekend, Magomedov steps back into the octagon in Riyadh to face the dangerous Michael “Venom” Page in a highly anticipated matchup.
But long before his UFC fame, Shara had a surprising run-in with the legendary Nurmagomedov family that could have dramatically altered the course of his career.
Shara’s Humble Beginnings and His Visit to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s Gym
Born in Dagestan, the same region that produced champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, Magomedov initially sought to join the famous MMA gym run by Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Known for his old-school, no-nonsense approach, Abdulmanap was a revered figure in the world of MMA, credited with breeding champions through rigorous training and strict discipline.
However, Shara’s first encounter with the gym didn’t go as planned. During a pre-fight interview, Magomedov revealed that his long hair became an unexpected barrier to entry.
“To train there, you had to meet certain conditions,” Shara explained. “Abdulmanap told me three things were important for an athlete: a proper hairstyle, no wandering around at night, and strict discipline. At the time, I didn’t understand why my hair mattered. But he was firm—fighters had to focus on their training, not their appearance.”
Despite his passion for martial arts, Magomedov was unwilling to part with his long hair. As a result, he left the gym and pursued a different path, honing his skills in kickboxing and becoming a striking specialist.
A Chance Meeting with Khabib Years Later
Years later, Shara and Khabib crossed paths again—not in the gym but at a business forum in Dubai. By this time, Khabib had retired as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history and was a global ambassador for the sport.
“I was in the audience listening to Khabib speak,” Shara recalled. “He shared stories about how his father sold his cows to build the gym that started it all. It was inspiring to hear how such humble beginnings led to greatness.”
After the event, the two fighters met in person, marking a full-circle moment for Shara. Despite their vastly different paths, Khabib welcomed Magomedov warmly and even gifted him an expensive watch as a token of respect.
“Khabib was very kind,” Shara said. “I didn’t want to take up much of his time, but he insisted I stay and talk. When he gave me the watch, it wasn’t just the value of the gift—it was the gesture. It showed how much he values the next generation of fighters.”
The Legacy of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Looking back, Shara reflects on the lessons he learned from Abdulmanap’s philosophy, even though he didn’t train under him for long.
“At the time, I didn’t understand why things like a haircut mattered,” he admitted. Abdulmanap’s teachings had depth. He believed discipline in all aspects of life translated into success in the cage. Today, you can see the legacy he left behind in fighters like Khabib and Islam.
As Shara Magomedov continues to rise in the UFC ranks, his story serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s wisdom—even for those who never fully trained under him.
This weekend, when Shara steps into the octagon against Michael “Venom” Page.