Coach Eric Nicksick shares how a Khabib Nurmagomedov training session looks like behind the scenes: "No music, no bullsh*tting"
Coach Eric Nicksick recently gave an account of what goes on behind the scenes when Khabib Nurmagomedov trains. Nicksick said the UFC Hall of Famer's training sessions would be extremely serious and disciplined.
Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as a legend in mixed martial arts. Born and raised in Dagestan, Russia, the former UFC lightweight champion's path from humble beginnings to greatness exemplifies his dedication to the sport.
With a perfect professional record of 29-0, Nurmagomedov has only lost two rounds in his impressive 13-fight UFC career. 'The Eagle's unwavering dedication propelled him to the top of the sport's hierarchy. The 35-year-old has stopped competing in mixed martial arts but is still involved in the gym, as he is committed to teaching the next generation of fighters.
In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Nicksick candidly talked about his experience of observing Khabib Nurmagomedov train. He disclosed that the legendary UFC fighter takes his training seriously and doesn't play around.
''So when Khabib is out here in running practices over the UFC PI, I reached out and asked if it was okay if I came in and just sit around and watch and he's like 'yeah come through.' And it was just very much, it's very serious but very regimented," Eric Nicksick said.
"There's no music, there's no bullsh*tting, they're not there to talk with one another and joke around and it's you're there, and it's work from the moment you step on the mat until the moment you're off the mat," he added.
Check out Eric Nicksick's comments below:
As for Nicksick, he trains former middleweight champion Sean Strickland at the Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas, Nevada. Strickland is coming off a split decision win against Paulo Costa at UFC 302 and has been vying for another title shot ever since.
Eric Nicksick talks about the time Belal Muhammad upset Khabib Nurmagomedov
In the aforementioned interview, MMA coach Eric Nicksick revealed how Khabib Nurmagomedov maintains close ties with his group. He has strict rules about who can and cannot exercise with him in his gym, and who gets an invitation and who doesn't. Nicksick said the reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was apparently not aware of this guideline, which upset Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Eric Nicksick said:
''What is funny is that Belal Muhammad brought a guest who was not cleared by Khabib and then, like Khabib, was not happy about it...It was kind of like you could feel like he was joking, but he wasn’t. He was serious about it and Belal was like, ‘Ohh dude I’m so sorry.’ You know and he goes ‘I don’t know who this guy is.'”