Khabib Nurmagomedov defeats LeBron James to win the BBC “World Sport Star of the Year” title

Khabib Nurmagomedov, who gave up mixed martial arts in October 2020 after successfully defending his UFC lightweight championship, has been named the BBC Sports Personality’s “World Sport Star of the Year.” In order to become the first UFC fighter to win the prestigious award since it was established in 1960, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Irish boxer Katie Taylor, American basketball legend LeBron James, American golfer Dustin Johnson, Swedish pole-vaulter Armand Duplantis, and French footballer Wendie Renard.

Along the way, The Eagle joined Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, and Mike Tyson as the fourth fighting athlete to win the award. The MMA great will formally accept the trophy from previous year’s winner Eliud Kipchoge during the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on Sunday. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov: Career and Life

Khabib Nurmagomedov had a stellar career as a mixed martial artist until he retired, winning 29 of his fights while losing none and drawing none. After defeating Justin Gaethje in his final clash, the Russian said that it would be his last, saying the loss of his father would prevent him from fighting again.

Khabib’s father served as his mentor and coach, which greatly aided his professional career. He also saw all of his son’s fights, with the exception of the final one against Gaethje. The 32-year-old athlete’s father, Abdulmanap, passed away due to COVID-19 complications, and his passing was difficult for him to accept.

In less than a month after making his professional MMA debut in September 2008, Nurmagomedov amassed four victories. He won the Moscow competition’s Atrium Cup tournament on October 11 after defeating his three opponents. Announcing his departure and retirement from the Octagon, the fighter stated that he would never compete without his father at his side.

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