UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov signs football contract in Russia
UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov appears to have started his football career after signing a contract with a team in Russia.
Third-tier club FC Legion Dynamo have snapped up mixed martial arts great Khabib, who retired from the octagon last October after beating Justin Gaethje.
Khabib ended his career in UFC with an incredible 29-0 record that included a famous win over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 that descended into a brawl.
In January he declared he was training to switch sports and play football, a sport he has always loved, revealing he was open to offers.
And FC Legion Dynamo have now taken the chance to add a global name to their squad.
The club confirmed the move on Instagram and also released a sponsorship tie-up featuring Khabib, but are yet to release any other information.
It is unclear what position the 32-year-old will play or how long his deal is.
Preparing for my football debut ⚽️
I’m free agent, and ready to accept offers.
Готовлюсь к дебюту на большом футболе, жду предложения, будем рассматривать. https://t.co/V2NlBX5iqD— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 24, 2021
Khabib has previously said the two clubs he admired most were Spartak Moscow and Real Madrid, while he has met and talked to Cristiano Ronaldo about a football career.
He was offered the chance to train with multiple clubs as he prepared to make the switch to football and was seen training with Dutch great Clarence Seedorf.