History of Khabib Nurmagomedov in Timeline

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a retired Russian mixed martial artist, renowned for his undefeated 29-0 record. He reigned as the UFC Lightweight Champion from April 2018 to March 2021, marking the longest title reign in the division's history. Widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters ever, Nurmagomedov was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 1988: Birth of Khabib Nurmagomedov

In September 1988, Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born in the village of Sildi in the Tsumadinsky District of the Dagestan ASSR.

September 1988: Khabib Nurmagomedov Born

In September 1988, Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born.

2001: Family Moved to Makhachkala

In 2001, Khabib Nurmagomedov's family moved to Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.

September 2008: Professional MMA Debut

In September 2008, Khabib Nurmagomedov made his professional MMA debut and compiled four wins in under a month.

2011: Signed with UFC

In 2011, Khabib Nurmagomedov signed a six-fight deal to compete in the UFC's lightweight division.

January 2012: UFC Debut

On January 2012, Khabib Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut at UFC on FX 1, defeating Kamal Shalorus via submission in the third round.

July 2012: Defeated Gleison Tibau at UFC 148

On July 2012, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Gleison Tibau at UFC 148 via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 30–27.

January 2013: Defeated Thiago Tavares at UFC on FX 7

On January 2013, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Thiago Tavares at UFC on FX 7 via KO in the first round.

May 2013: Defeated Abel Trujillo at UFC 160

On May 2013, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Abel Trujillo at UFC 160 via unanimous decision. He also set a UFC record for the most takedowns in a single fight, with 21 successful takedowns.

September 2013: Defeated Pat Healy at UFC 165

On September 2013, Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Pat Healy at UFC 165 and won via unanimous decision. UFC president Dana White praised Nurmagomedov's performance at the post-event press conference.

February 2014: Cancelled Bout Against Gilbert Melendez

In February 2014, Khabib Nurmagomedov was expected to face Gilbert Melendez at UFC 170, but the bout was cancelled for undisclosed reasons, and the replacement match-up against Nate Diaz was also cancelled.

April 2014: Defeated Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 11

On April 2014, Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 11 and won via unanimous decision.

September 2014: Bout with Donald Cerrone Scrapped Due to Injury

In September 2014, a bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Donald Cerrone at UFC 178 was scrapped after Nurmagomedov suffered a knee injury.

May 2015: Pulled out of UFC 187 due to Knee Injury

In May 2015, Khabib Nurmagomedov pulled out of the bout against Donald Cerrone at UFC 187 due to a recurring knee injury.

December 2015: Pulled Out of The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale

In December 2015, Khabib Nurmagomedov pulled out of his fight against Tony Ferguson at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale due to another injury.

April 2016: Defeated Darrell Horcher at UFC on Fox 19

On April 2016, Khabib Nurmagomedov won against promotional newcomer Darrell Horcher by TKO in the second round at UFC on Fox 19.

November 2016: Defeated Michael Johnson at UFC 205

On November 2016, Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Michael Johnson at UFC 205, dominating the fight and winning via submission in the third round.

March 2017: UFC 209 Fight Cancelled Due to Weight Cut Issues

In March 2017, Khabib Nurmagomedov fell ill because of a botched weight cut, and his fight against Tony Ferguson at UFC 209 was cancelled.

December 2017: Defeated Edson Barboza at UFC 219

On December 2017, Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Edson Barboza at UFC 219, dominating the fight and winning by unanimous decision, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

April 2018: UFC Lightweight Champion

In April 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov became the UFC Lightweight Champion, marking a significant career milestone.

April 2018: Confrontation with Artem Lobov

In April 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov confronted Artem Lobov, a member of the McGregor team.

April 2018: Won UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 223

On April 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov won the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 223 by defeating Al Iaquinta via unanimous decision.

August 2018: Announced First Title Defence Against Conor McGregor

On August 2018, the UFC announced that Khabib Nurmagomedov would make his first defence of his lightweight title against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 on October 6 in Las Vegas.

October 2018: Suspension Following Brawl

In October 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov received an indefinite ban by the NSAC until an official hearing determined the disciplinary outcome of the post-fight brawl.

October 2018: Post-fight Brawl After Victory Over McGregor

On October 2018, following his victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov jumped over the octagon fence and charged at McGregor's cornerman, Dillon Danis, resulting in a post-fight brawl.

January 2019: NSAC Announces Suspension and Fine

On January 2019, the NSAC announced a nine-month suspension for Khabib Nurmagomedov (retroactive to 6 October 2018) and a $500,000 fine following the post-fight brawl at UFC 229.

July 2019: Eligible to Compete Again

On July 2019, Khabib Nurmagomedov was eligible to compete again after the NSAC announced a nine-month suspension for his actions in October 2018.

2019: Forbes Ranking as Most Successful Russian Athlete

In 2019, Forbes ranked Khabib Nurmagomedov as the No. 1 most successful Russian athlete.

March 2021: Removed from UFC Rankings After Title Vacation

In March 2021, Khabib Nurmagomedov was removed from the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings following his title vacation.

March 2021: End of Reign as UFC Lightweight Champion

In March 2021, Khabib Nurmagomedov's reign as the UFC Lightweight Champion ended. He held the title from April 2018 to March 2021.

June 30, 2022: UFC Hall of Fame Induction

On June 30, 2022, Khabib Nurmagomedov was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.