MMA coach recalls Khabib Nurmagomedov "punking" Belal Muhammad during training session, details learning key lesson from interaction
Head coach Eric Nicksick is constantly striving to improve his renowned MMA gym environment. A recent interaction between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Belal Muhammad, however, provided an unexpected learning experience, albeit a humorous one.
Appearing in a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Nicksick explained how Muhammad brought an unapproved guest to a training session at Xtreme Couture. Khabib, known for his strict training environment, was not amused.
Nicksick said:
“One of the funny things too was Belal Muhammad brought a guest that wasn’t cleared by Khabib and Khabib was not happy about that... The best part is Khabib and I are sitting there and he kind of looks at me and he’s like ’Eric, are you going to let a guy in your gym that you don’t know, maybe he’s fighting one of your guys?’ like kind of just punking Belal in front of everybody which was funny.”
While the unknown guest was eventually allowed to train, the incident sparked a realization in Nicksick:
“It kind of made me realize like I sometimes open my doors too much and allow people you know to come and train that we don’t get vetted through the system… That really stood out to me and how he handled that situation... Khabib still let the guy train but there was a process to that, I felt like it was important- I’ve always heard that about AKA, you have to be ‘voted in’ if you’re a guest, the team has to approve that, and I really like that mentality."[H/t: Bloddy Elbow]
Check out Eric Nicksick's interview below:
Eric Nicksick reveals intense training atmosphere under Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov's legendary status in mixed martial arts is well-documented. With an undefeated record and a dominant reign, the Dagestani fighter's dedication to his craft is unparalleled.
Appearing in the same interview with Red Corner MMA, Coach Eric Nicksick shed light on the intense training environment cultivated by Nurmagomedov. Nicksick described observing Nurmagomedov's training sessions at the UFC Performance Institute, stating:
"There's no music, there's no bullsh*tting, they're not there to talk with one another and joke around and if you're there, it's work from the moment you step on the mat until the moment you're off the mat."
Check out Eric Nicksick's revelation below: