Khabib Nurmagomedov recalls father’s brutal gym rule that shaped Islam Makhachev’s rise

Khabib Nurmagomedov has shared how his late father Abdulmanap once tossed 50 fighters out of his gym-including Islam Makhachev-over a strict haircut rule that became legend in Dagestan’s MMA scene.

What happened at Abdulmanap’s gym?

In a now-famous story, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the late patriarch of Dagestan’s elite MMA camp, enforced a no-nonsense grooming policy: every fighter had to cut their hair short. The rule wasn’t flexible-not even for his favorite student, Makhachev. Khabib Nurmagomedov, the UFC Hall of Famer, recalled the incident during a recent interview with UFC Eurasia.

“There was this moment when father threw about 50 people out of the gym because of their hair, including Islam Makhachev,” Khabib said. “Everyone left, and about 30-40 minutes later, three of them returned. Islam was among them too.”

Why did Abdulmanap enforce the rule?

Abdulmanap believed appearance signaled discipline-or the lack of it. Makhachev, now the UFC lightweight champion, echoed that lesson years later. “He used to always say, ‘If you want to impress someone with your hairstyles, that’s not how it works,’” Makhachev recalled. “You need to have a muscular neck, a nice belt, and clean shoes.”

The message was clear: focus on what matters. Abdulmanap’s gym wasn’t about flash. It was about results-something Khabib and Makhachev have delivered in spades.

What does this reveal about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy?

Khabib has long credited his father’s uncompromising standards for shaping Dagestan’s current wave of champions. Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov, and others all trained under Abdulmanap’s watchful eye. The haircut rule wasn’t just about grooming. It was a test of commitment.

“Father saw that they had returned with haircuts and said, ‘Yes, you can come in,’” Khabib added. “My father even said, ‘See, they want to learn from me. So, they will get results.’”

How Makhachev’s rise fits the pattern

Makhachev’s path from ejected trainee to UFC champion mirrors the discipline Abdulmanap demanded. The late coach’s methods weren’t popular. But they worked. Makhachev’s recent title defenses-including a 2024 win over Alexander Volkanovski-prove the point.

Abdulmanap’s gym wasn’t just a training hall. It was a proving ground. And Makhachev passed every test-starting with a haircut.