KUALA LUMPUR: After years in the making, mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is finally coming to Malaysia.
Nurmagomedov will be taking part in a talk - dubbed Khabib Nurmagomedov Live in Kuala Lumpur - at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur on Sep 29, organised by Faith Events.
The Russian is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his trip here.
Faith Events chief executive officer Khairul Amar Razali said Khabib has always been eager to come to Malaysia.
"We have been talking with his team about bringing him here since 2021 but we knew it would be incredibly difficult to get him at the time," said Khairul during a press conference at WTC today.
"After he retired, he started to participate in talks in the United States and Canada from 2022 but he has always remained busy because he is still training fighters under Eagle FC.
"Ever since we have been in contact with him, he has always expressed great interest in coming to Malaysia but finding a suitable time has always been a challenge.
"Earlier this year we spoke with his team again and were able to work out something. He will be here, together with a number of other fighters from Eagle FC, on Sep 29."
Khairul added that bringing Nurmagomedov here will help raise the profile of the country and also inspire Malaysians to reach for greater heights.
Nurmagomedov, 35, held the UFC lightweight title from April 2018 until March 2021 and retired undefeated with a 29-0 record. He is widely seen as one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen.
"When someone as big as Khabib comes to Malaysia, it brings a big impact in terms of exposure at the global level. Not only in terms of his fans, but also all those within MMA," said Khairul.
"It is also a great opportunity for his Malaysian fans to get a chance to see and listen to him up close. His story is inspirational."
Khabib Nurmagomedov Live in Kuala Lumpur will be hosted by Alif Satar with Malaysian Muay Thai star Johan Ghazali as special guest.
So far, roughly 50 per cent of the 3,000 tickets for the event have already been sold. Tickets start from RM159 and go up to RM1,699.