“There is no freedom of speech”: Khabib Nurmagomedov explains his hard line coaching style inside MMA gym

Khabib Nurmagomedov has made it clear that his MMA gym runs on discipline, not debate. Speaking in a recent public interview, the former UFC lightweight champion said his fighters do not have “freedom of speech” during training. According to him, once practice begins, everyone must follow instructions without question. He believes this approach is the reason his team keeps winning at the highest level.

Khabib Nurmagomedov shared these views while talking about his life after retirement and his role as a full-time coach. The conversation took place earlier this month at the World Sports Summit, where he spoke openly about leadership, respect, and results.

Khabib Nurmagomedov explains why there is no “free speech” in his gym

During an on-stage interview with Rio Ferdinand at the World Sports Summit, Khabib Nurmagomedov explained how training works inside his gym. The event was held in early January 2025, with athletes and fans in attendance.

Khabib Nurmagomedov said his fighters understand the rules before they even step on the mat. “When we come to the gym, when we begin our training, all of them know about this,” he said. “There is no freedom of speech. Everybody does what I say. There is no 50/50.”

He added that the system is not about control, but about focus. Khabib Nurmagomedov explained that MMA is dangerous and demands full attention.



He said he pushes his fighters hard every day. “If you look at the results, we have champions in almost every organization,” he said, pointing to the success of his team.

Several top fighters train under him, including Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Usman Nurmagomedov.

In the same interview, Khabib Nurmagomedov also spoke about relationships with former opponents. He said respect is important, but friendship is not realistic in fighting. Speaking directly to Rio Ferdinand, he explained his thinking in simple terms.

“No, we have to be nice. But it’s never going to be friends,” Khabib Nurmagomedov said. “This guy try to smash your face. How you gonna be friends with him?”
He compared MMA to other sports and said fighting is different. According to him, once someone tries to hurt you inside a cage, the bond can never be close.

That mindset, he said, helped him stay focused throughout his unbeaten 29–0 career and now shapes how he teaches the next generation.

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