KUALA LUMPUR: UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov hopes to see Muay Thai prodigy Johan "Jojo" Ghazali Zulfikar train in Dagestan, Russia, when the Malaysian switches to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Khabib, who is in Malaysia for a speaking engagement, held a press conference at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.
The undefeated lightweight champion of the world met Johan and wished the One Championship fighter all the best in his career.
"I know he is a good young striker, he told me in the future he wants to move to MMA when he finishes with Muay Thai.
"He is always welcome to Dagestan and train at our gym. In MMA you need to train in wrestling, and he will improve that by training with us," said the 36-year-old.
Khabib added that if Malaysia is to produce world champions in MMA, the country needs to create a good system with good coaches like in Dagestan.
Khabib won the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight world title by defeating American Al Iaquinta in 2018. He defended the belt three times against Irishman Conor McGregor, and Americans Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje before retiring undefeated with a 29-0 record in 2021. He was inducted into UFC's Hall of Fame in 2022.
He continues his father, Abdulmanap's legacy in coaching, and currently trains UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Asked if he's interested in opening a gym in Malaysia, Khabib said: "This is a very good idea. We're thinking about this. Why not we open a gym here and bring good coaches? It will be good for all Malaysia MMA."