What Khabib Nurmagomedov has said about Fame

Nurmagomedov argues that becoming a champion is easier than staying one, because money, contracts and travel cause fighters to miss training.

“Reaching the championship and staying there, reaching it is one thing, but staying a champion, that's totally different. It's incredibly tough”

Lex Fridman Podcast: #500 – Khabib Nurmagomedov: Dagestan, MMA, UFC, Islam, Conor, Fedor & Football (Aug 12, 2026) · Listen from 32:02

Nurmagomedov says people cannot know how they will behave once they gain success, wealth and power, and should avoid boasting about it in advance.

“I think it's better if people don't throw around such big words. Because you never know how you'll carry yourself once you actually get there”

Lex Fridman Podcast: #500 – Khabib Nurmagomedov: Dagestan, MMA, UFC, Islam, Conor, Fedor & Football (Aug 12, 2026) · Listen from 35:38

Nurmagomedov defines legacy as public recognition and inspiration, noting that many champions reach the top without inspiring anyone.

“There are people who became champions. There are people who rose to the top of their field, but they just don't inspire anyone”

Lex Fridman Podcast: #500 – Khabib Nurmagomedov: Dagestan, MMA, UFC, Islam, Conor, Fedor & Football (Aug 12, 2026) · Listen from 1:43:00

Nurmagomedov argues that wealth is harmless in one's hands but corrupting once it enters the heart, and says he believes most people in hell will be wealthy.

“But as soon as that wealth gets into your heart, it becomes very difficult to share it with others”

Lex Fridman Podcast: #500 – Khabib Nurmagomedov: Dagestan, MMA, UFC, Islam, Conor, Fedor & Football (Aug 12, 2026) · Listen from 3:15:27