At a time when Dagestan’s dominance in global MMA feels stronger than ever, Khabib Nurmagomedov has added a surprisingly tech-powered twist to the narrative. Fresh off Islam Makhachev’s historic welterweight title win at UFC 322, a victory that turned him into a two-division UFC champion, the legendary former lightweight king is now opening the doors of Team Khabib to one of the world’s richest tech founders.
Yes, the same man who built Telegram.
With Makhachev collecting belts, Umar Nurmagomedov re-entering the title mix after a sharp showing at UFC 321, and Usman Nurmagomedov preparing for a crucial PFL defense, the Dagestani camp has been buzzing. But this week, a simple social media exchange sent the MMA world in a completely different direction.
Khabib Nurmagomedov reached out publicly to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on X, telling him he had seen the billionaire training in the gym and inviting him to “come train with the brotherhood.” In typical icy Russian fashion, Durov did not waste a second.
“Send location, brother,” he replied, a line MMA fans famously remember associated with Khabib.
Brother @durov I see you always in the gym, I think it’s time you come and train with the brotherhood.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) November 20, 2025
Durov has been a regular at UFC events in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi cards where he and Khabib have crossed paths multiple times. Beyond that, Nurmagomedov has been working closely with TON, the blockchain ecosystem tied to the tech world Durov helped shape, making their link stronger than a novelty photo opportunity.
Now, with one message, the door is open for Durov to become the latest billionaire stepping into combat sports, but this time with a camp that actually expects real work, not Silicon Valley cosplay.
But away from all the fun during camp, Khabib’s focus remains anchored to the task that defines him: guiding fighters toward world titles.
