Khabib Nurmagomedov often wears a hat before and after fights but what is the significance of it?
One of the most striking aspects of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated UFC Lightweight champion, is a white and gold hat that he wears during his entrance and in post-fight interviews.
Khabib is never seen without it in the UFC but this is more than just a style statement for the Dagestan star.
The papakha is an article which has its roots in the Dagestan region from where Khabib comes. Of course, there is a story behind the papakha, which is symbolic of the fighting style that the people that the region have.
What is the story behind Khabib’s papakha?
Khabib was to make his UFC debut in 2012 and this was an impulse buy from the Dagestan airport.
ESPN reports that the clothing article cost about $50 at the time in the shop, but that became a huge talking point.
Some of his friends wanted Khabib to wear something special and unique, something that would make him stand out in the UFC.
Khabib might have been undefeated at that point, but the Russian wasn’t the big name he is today.
The Eagle, as Khabib is called, also explained his happiness and how much of an honour it was to put on the papakha (h/t ESPN):
“It’s an honour to me to represent my traditional headgear around the world, my culture, my history,” Nurmagomedov said.
” I have an opportunity. People know me and I want people to know where I am from. I want to show people Dagestan, Dagestan culture, Dagestan history, because we have very, very big history in Dagestan. If I have opportunity, why not? Why not?”
Khabib certainly has made Dagestan, and Russia, proud with his abilities in the Octagon. Many claim he is one of the greatest MMA stars of all-time and Khabib is only improving with time.
His papakha is one of the greatest articles of clothing the UFC has seen and he has stuck with this hat for the past eight years.
The headdress is worn by men who go to war, and it is war every second inside the Octagon. Khabib has won every battle that he has faced in his career so far, and his papakha has gone to war with him on every occasion in the UFC.
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