Khabib Nurmagomedov unveils grand plan to have MMA included in Olympics from 2028 but admits he faces battle to convince organisers who ‘do not want a lot of blood’
- Khabib Nurmagomedov is already working to promote MMA around the world
- Russian decided to retire after his emotional victory over Justin Gaethje
- He announced plan to have MMA included in 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles
- Khabib described that mission as one of his ‘main tasks’ in next couple of years
Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed his grand plan to have MMA included in the Olympics from 2028.
The Russian, who retired undefeated after his win against Justin Gaethje back in October, pledged to lobby the powers that be to have his sport as part of the Games in Los Angeles in eight years time.
At a press conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the UFC pound-for-pound No 1 said: ‘The inclusion of MMA in the Olympics is one of my main tasks for the next couple of years, we are already working in this direction.
Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to have MMA included as an Olympic sport from 2028
The UFC lightweight champion will lobby the Olympic Committee over the next two years
‘In the near future, I will have many meetings, including with the President of the Olympic Committee. I think, if not in Paris, then in In Los Angeles, we have a great chance of promoting MMA.’
Khabib did accept that some will take some persuading that the brutality of MMA aligned with the Olympics
But he believes the interest it would garner means it would be of significant commercial value to organisers.
Khabib has enormous influence in MMA and is planning to use it to further the sport
He added: ‘The only question is the cruelty of the sport. This is not encouraged at the Olympics, they do not want there to be a lot of blood.
‘But in terms of recognition, sponsorship, in terms of interest for television, MMA, I think that if it enters the Olympics program, it will be on a par with football and athletics in interest.
Khabib is also expected to announce that he is completing a deal to by Gorilla Fighting Championship in Russia for £750,000 and plans to expand its reach eventually to the USA.
Nurmagomedov tagged Dana White in a photo on Instagram and wrote: ‘See you soon’
He is adamant that he will stay retired despite both Dana White and his coach Javier Mendez casting doubt over the decision to hang up his gloves having promised his mother he would no longer fight after the passing of his father Abdulmanap.
Khabib recently posted a snap of White on Instagram with the caption: ‘See you soon’. White then confirmed he will meet the Dagestani in Abu Dhabi, sparking speculation that the lightweight king may reverse his retirement decision.
But given recent developments, there is a possibility Khabib will be discussing his extensive plans outside of the cage, including the Olympic lobbying and purchase of a promotion.
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