UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov faced some of the best fighters in the world during his legendary career, but none could faze him. It turns out his weakness was nothing other than his love for the Pakistani food, which got him in trouble earlier this year.
Speaking on a podcast with longtime friend and host Adam Zubayraev, Khabib revealed that a plate of his favorite desi meal cost him his spot on a flight in the U.S. The story goes like this: Earlier this year, Khabib was on a tight schedule and had one mission in mind—get to San Francisco before Chutney, his favorite Pakistani restaurant, closed for the night.
“There is a restaurant in San Francisco called Chutney. Pakistani. Number one restaurant. For all of us,” Khabib Nurmagomedov said with a grin. “I’ve been going to Chutney since 2012. Every time I’m in San Francisco, I go there.”
Faced with limited flight options, the MMA star picked a budget Frontier Airlines flight from Las Vegas—not because he couldn’t afford business class, but because it was the only flight that would get him to Chutney before closing.
“There was a Delta business class flight at 8 PM, but I would’ve missed the restaurant. I needed to leave at 5 PM,” Khabib Nurmagomedov explained. “Only Frontier had that timing.”
Wanting just a bit more comfort on the short economy flight, Khabib and his friend booked exit row seats for extra legroom. But that’s when things took a turn.
The cabin crew reportedly questioned whether Khabib, a Russian national from Dagestan, understood English well enough to operate the emergency exit. He calmly assured them he did.
“I know the language, I know how to help,” he told them. But the crew wasn’t convinced. After some back-and-forth, security was called, and Khabib Nurmagomedov was removed from the flight.
Videos of the incident made the rounds on social media, with many fans and commentators calling out the airline for what appeared to be unjust treatment and xenophobic behavior. Khabib Nurmagomedov, known for his calm demeanor, didn’t lash out, simply saying the staff had been “rude” and urging airlines to treat passengers with more respect.
Still, he made one thing clear: the food was worth the drama.
While Khabib has always been proud of his native Dagestani cuisine, when it comes to international flavors, he’s got a soft spot for Pakistani dishes.
“If we talk about foreign food—Pakistani is number one,” he declared.
So, did he make it to Chutney that night? Khabib Nurmagomedov didn’t say. But knowing “The Eagle,” there’s a good chance he found another way. Because when an undefeated champion books a flight just to eat his favourite kebab, you know it’s serious.