When Islam Makhachev says, “This is how we train in Dagestan,” he’s not talking about fancy gyms, high-tech equipment, or flashy Instagram workouts. He’s talking about the kind of brutal, no-nonsense training that forged champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov — and turned himself into one of the most dominant fighters in MMA today.

In a recent interview, the UFC lightweight champion opened up about the legendary training culture in Dagestan, revealing how Khabib’s methods shaped his mindset, toughness, and championship mentality.

 A Brotherhood Built in the Mountains

Islam recalls how training under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov — Khabib’s father and the architect of Dagestan’s dominance — was unlike anything else in the world.

“We train three, four times a day. No excuses. If you’re tired, you keep going. If you’re injured, you adapt. There’s no softness.”

The sessions were held in gyms, wrestling mats, and even up in the mountains, where oxygen is low and the intensity is even higher. According to Islam, the goal was simple: push yourself past your breaking point — and then go even further.

Khabib’s Philosophy: Suffer Now, Dominate Later

Islam credits Khabib with instilling a mindset of discipline and suffering that separates Dagestani fighters from the rest of the world.

“Khabib always says, ‘Train hard when no one is watching.’ That’s what makes a champion. Not the fight — the days and years before it.”

He also revealed that Khabib is still heavily involved in the team’s training, often leading practices, driving sparring partners to exhaustion, and expecting nothing but perfection.

“Khabib doesn’t care if you’re tired. He trained with broken ribs, with fevers. That’s the standard.”

 No Hype, Just Results

In the West, fighters often focus on marketing, callouts, and social media clout. But in Dagestan, Islam says, it’s all about the grind.

“We don’t talk much. We don’t post everything. We just train. Every single day. That’s why we win.”

It’s a culture built on humility, discipline, and suffering — where fighters are raised to wrestle before they walk, and where respect isn’t just expected, it’s enforced.

 The Result? Champions

The results speak for themselves:

Khabib Nurmagomedov: 29-0, retired as undefeated UFC lightweight champion.

Islam Makhachev: Current UFC lightweight champion, dominating elite opponents with wrestling, pressure, and relentless cardio.

And now, Islam is carrying the torch, keeping the Dagestani standard alive while inspiring the next generation.

“Everything I am, everything I’ve achieved — it’s because of that training. That discipline. That brotherhood.”

 Final Thoughts

“This is how we train in Dagestan” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a way of life. It’s blood, sweat, broken bones, early mornings, and no shortcuts.

Under the watchful eyes of Khabib and the legacy of Abdulmanap, fighters like Islam Makhachev aren’t just preparing for fights — they’re preparing for war.

And judging by their dominance?
It’s working.