Former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov attended a groundbreaking ceremony for his new gym at the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Russian, who retired from competing in mixed martial arts in 2021, flew to Malaysia shortly after overseeing Islam Makhachev’s win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York.
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He also acknowledged the role of Tunku Ismail, well known for being involved in the Malaysian sports scene especially with football club Johor Darul Ta’zim, in driving the project.
“I had a pleasure to launch the groundbreaking ceremony of the Khabib Gym in Johor along with the Regent of Johor,” he posted on his official Instagram account.
“In [the] nearest future, [it] will open the doors for kids and adults of Johor, where we will share our knowledge and experience of martial arts gained through the years.
“I want say thanks to everyone who’s involved in this project, especially to [Tunku Ismail] for leading this amazing effort and making it happen.”
According to official information, the gym will span 37,000 square feet, accommodate up to 1,000 people and feature key facilities including a multipurpose hall and an octagon ring.
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