A recent statement from former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has stirred discussion about his ties to a school connected to a group labeled as violent extremists by some observers. Nurmagomedov insisted that he did not belong to that institution; he said he trained there only once and rejected any suggestion that he was its student. He described such claims as false and misleading, calling them baseless rumors that do not reflect his actions or beliefs.
In the late hours of Sunday, June 23, reports emerged about armed incidents in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala. In Derbent, both the Church of the Intercession of Our Lady on Lenin Street and the Kele-Numaz Synagogue on Tagi-Zade Street were targeted during the attacks. Security teams promptly began investigating the circumstances and assessing potential threats to local communities.
The events prompted authorities to declare three days of mourning for Dagestan, with the aim of honoring victims and maintaining public order. Cultural and religious gatherings were canceled as a precaution, and municipal flags were lowered in observance of the tragedy. Local residents and officials emphasized unity and resilience in the face of violence, reiterating that such acts do not represent the region’s diverse, peaceful communities.
Nurmagomedov’s career timeline notes that his last competitive bout occurred in the autumn of 2020, when he defeated Justin Gaethje in a widely watched title defense. Following that victory, he announced retirement from professional competition, explaining that a prior promise to his late father and mother influenced his decision. In the years since, he has remained active in the sport through leadership and promotional work with his Eagle FC organization, shaping paths for fighters outside traditional major circuits. This shift underscores how athletes diversify their influence beyond competition while preserving competitive discipline and public profile.
Earlier reporting had suggested that the Dagestan incident would trigger a broad review of sports clubs and training facilities in the region, aimed at identifying and mitigating any security risks associated with radicalization. Officials stressed the importance of safeguarding community spaces that foster discipline, citizenship, and healthy competition. The unfolding situation has prompted ongoing questions about the balance between security measures and civil liberties, a topic that regional authorities say must be addressed with care and transparency to prevent harm to ordinary residents who seek peaceful, constructive lives.