Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has unveiled plans for an exclusive freestyle wrestling tournament set to take place in Abu Dhabi this November, bringing together some of the world’s most elite competitors in the sport.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Dagestani legend revealed he is actively working on organizing the high-caliber event.
“We are working on a tournament here,”
Khabib explained, detailing an ambitious format that will feature four competitors in each weight category.
The tournament is scheduled for November 20-21 in Abu Dhabi, where Khabib promises to assemble an impressive roster of Olympic champions and world champions across multiple weight divisions. The event appears to be gaining significant traction, with the former MMA star confirming that discussions with UAE sports and tourism ministries are already underway.
“We have already agreed on the arena with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Tourism,”
Khabib stated, adding that a final meeting is planned for next Tuesday to solidify arrangements.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the tournament is the caliber of athletes Khabib hopes to attract. For the 97-kilogram division alone, he’s targeting an extraordinary lineup that could include Iranian wrestling star, American Kyle Snyder, Russia’s Abdulrashid Sadulaev, and Givi Macharashvili (Tazhudinov).
The tournament concept appears to address current challenges in international wrestling competition.
“In connection with Russia’s disqualification from international tournaments, we want to hold a tournament here, inside the Emirates in Abu Dhabi,”
Khabib explained, positioning the event as an opportunity for elite wrestlers to compete at the highest level despite ongoing restrictions.
Khabib emphasized that several top competitors have already confirmed their participation, noting that invitations have been extended across multiple weight classes including 61kg, 65kg, and 74kg divisions.
“Abbas has confirmed,”
he mentioned, referring to one of the athletes who has committed to the event.
The wrestling tournament represents another venture into sports promotion for Khabib, who has remained active in combat sports since retiring from MMA. His involvement appears to stem from a genuine desire to support the wrestling community, as he noted,
“The guys asked me, so I got involved.”
With final arrangements being hammered out and elite athletes already expressing interest, this exclusive wrestling showcase in Abu Dhabi could become a significant event on the international wrestling calendar, providing a platform for world-class competition in the heart of the Middle East.
