Khabib Nurmagomedov has opened up about how he dealt with heartbreaking defeats before his career in MMA.
To be fair, the Russian was not a fan of losing.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov suffered a tough defeat against a 24-year-old when he was only 17
In his esteemed mixed martial arts career, Khabib Nurmagomedov cemented his place as one of the greatest competitors of all time.
Using his phenomenal wrestling skills and iron will to win, the warrior defeated every fighter in his path to leave the sport with an impeccable record of 29-0.
However, if he hadn't suffered devastating losses in his combat sambo career, he might never have become the man he is today.
De Dagestani remembers a heartbreaking defeat against an opponent seven years older than him that really motivated him to move on to the next level.
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In an interview with MMA Junkie Radio, he explained: “I lose a few times, not in MMA, this is combat sambo. I'm 17 years old, my opponent was 24. I'm a young guy; I lost because the jury gave it to him.
“After I came home, I had a headache, my arm was almost broken, my left and right legs were in pain, but in the morning I woke up and started training, because I know everyone in the world is training.
“For me it is very important to push myself hard. I can't run, spar or wrestle, but I was training a little and then going home.
“When I lose, it's very motivating. I used to have no discipline, but when I was 17, when I started my combat sambo career, I understood this.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev miss out as UFC icon names shock the lightweight GOAT
Having built such an incredible legacy, it is no surprise that Nurmagomedov is considered one of the best lightweights the sport has ever seen.
To make matters even better, his dear friend, Islam Makhachev, is also heavily involved in the discussion.
However, one MMA legend believes there is another man who will overtake them both as the greatest 155-pound fighter in UFC history.
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