A well-known former world boxing champion and state Duma deputy, Nikolai Valuev, aligns with UFC president Dana White on a bold forecast: Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team could broaden their influence into the United States. Reported by Sports24, this stance feeds into a larger discussion about cross-sport prominence and the way mixed martial artists are expanding into broader entertainment and business ventures. Valuev frames the development as a turning point that echoes major shifts seen throughout history, suggesting that White’s assessment carries weight and warning that Nurmagomedov and his associates may push beyond current borders. He notes that Nurmagomedov and his circle operate from a solid base at home, while also confronting the pressures that accompany international expansion. Valuev adds that Russians involved in these pursuits do not appear to be chasing quick profits in America, hinting at a deeper strategic motive behind the movement.
Khabib Nurmagomedov last competed in the fall of 2020, when he defeated American fighter Justin Gaethje in a fight that capped his celebrated in-ring career. Shortly after, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement, citing commitments to his late father and mother that prevented him from continuing while his father could not be by his side. In the years since, Nurmagomedov has redirected his energy toward leadership and promotion, founding Eagle FC to cultivate talent and broaden the reach of combat sports beyond the traditional UFC framework. This shift underscores a broader pattern of elite athletes transitioning from competition to governance, mentorship, and enterprise within sports ecosystems.
Across his MMA tenure, Nurmagomedov compiled an undefeated record across 29 bouts, a feat that solidified his status as one of the sport’s most influential figures. His impact on the sports landscape was further recognized in 2021 when a public opinion survey by the Public Opinion Foundation named him the athlete of the year in sports. That accolade underscored his resonance with fans and his ability to shape the conversation around combat sports beyond the cage, influencing training culture, promotion strategies, and the global perception of what a modern champion can represent in and out of competition. In the same era, his leadership role helped pave the way for new talent pipelines in regions eager to push the boundaries of MMA’s commercial and cultural footprint across North America and Eurasia.
Separately in the combat sports world, Conor McGregor has floated a political ambition, suggesting that he could one day serve as the President of Ireland. This remark reflects a broader pattern of athletes extending their public personas into leadership roles beyond sport, a phenomenon that resonates with audiences in both Canada and the United States who follow fighters as much for their business and cultural influence as for their performances inside the octagon. These discussions illustrate how athletes increasingly pursue roles that combine athletic excellence with public leadership and entrepreneurial ventures. Note: attributions are based on reported statements from respective sources.