In a sequence of online posts, Indonesian model Annette Lauda discussed on her Instagram account an attempt to flirt with a prominent figure from the world of mixed martial arts, Khabib Nurmagomedov, a former UFC champion. The chatter first appeared on a Telegram channel run by Puree, which has circulated various rumors about celebrities and public figures.
Lauda claimed that Nurmagomedov reacted to a photo she shared in underwear by sending a subtle emoji and sending several messages that she described as attempts at communication. After Lauda made her account public, she faced a wave of responses from Nurmagomedov’s fans, many of whom accused her of spreading misinformation. The controversy led Lauda to take a break and temporarily close her social media profiles to manage the backlash and protect her privacy.
Nurmagomedov did not issue a direct statement regarding the allegations. Instead, his representative, Ali Abdel-Aziz, addressed the matter publicly on X, offering a sharp rebuttal. He dismissed the claims and criticized Lauda in strong terms, labeling her as unworthy of attention and implying that she had not earned a place on any credible list of public figures.
Nurmagomedov is a family man, married with three children, and his personal life often becomes a focal point for followers and media alike when rumors surface about his private affairs.
The athlete’s career reached a significant milestone when he fought Justin Gaethje in the fall of 2020, securing a decisive victory that solidified his status as one of the sport’s most dominant figures. Shortly after the bout, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from professional competition, stating that he had promised his mother he would not return to fighting without his father, who had been a central mentor and inspiration throughout his journey. In retirement, he shifted his focus to leadership within the Eagle FC promotion, shaping the next chapter of his involvement in MMA outside of the UFC arena.
Across his career, Nurmagomedov accumulated an undefeated record, with 29 professional MMA fights and victories in every appearance. His impact extended beyond wins and losses; in 2021, he was recognized in a sports poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation as a standout figure of the year. On October 22, 2023, he announced stepping away from all activities related to fighting, signaling a permanent pause from competition while leaving open the door to future ventures in the sport’s broader ecosystem.
There have been attempts to frame Nurmagomedov’s career in ways that mix personal life with public myth, and at times, commentators have suggested experiences far removed from the actual record. In reviewing such narratives, it is essential to distinguish verified achievements from unverified claims and to consider the sources, their motives, and the surrounding context. This instance underscores how online platforms can amplify rumors and how public figures manage scrutiny from fans, pundits, and social networks alike, especially when personal lives intersect with professional fame. [attribution: Puree Telegram channel; public statements by Ali Abdel-Aziz on X]