Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of UFC’s all-time greats.

He retired in 2020 and remained undefeated through his UFC career with a record 29-0. At the time of his retirement, was ranked as UFC’s pound-for-pound top fighter.

He competed in the lightweight division and set the record for the longest reign with the title.

Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement from UFC

He was the champion from April 2018 to March 2021 and only stepped away due to consequences associated with the pandemic.

Unfortunately, Khabib’s father Abdulmanap, who was ever present during his son’s UFC career, passed away.

His last fight, which was against Justin Gaethje, was the first and only time the Russian walked into the Octagon without his father. Khabib promised his mother that he would retire from UFC action and has stuck to his word.

Khabib Nurmagomedov paid tribute to his father Abdulmanap as he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

But, it’s fair to say that Khabib has many interests outside of competing. The ‘Eagle’ is stolll heavily involved in the MMA world and has become a coach and promoter, but, he also takes interest in other sports.

It’s known that Nurmagomedov is a huge fan of football. Around this time last year, he attended a game between Manchester United and Everton.

Khabib is close friends with football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, though, the Russian was only able to watch Ronaldo play for 33 minutes when he came off the bench in a cagey 1-1 draw.

Khabib Nurmagomedov meets Sir Alex Ferguson

Khabib was a special guest at the match and got to spend time with some United legends following the match. One icon that Nurmagomedov rubbed shoulders with is all-time great Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

In fact, while speaking to BBC journalist Shamoon Hafez, Khabib recalled the hilarious interaction between himself and the legendary figure.

Video: Khabib Nurmagomedov's response when Sir Alex Ferguson asked him if he would like some wine

“He asked me if I wanted a glass of wine. I’m thinking, ‘how do I explain to him I’m a Muslim?’. So I said, ‘drinking is not good for me because if I do then I will smash all of you guys up’. He replied ‘Okay, best if you don’t drink’.”

Of course, it’s awkward when you’re not sure how to respond to this kind of question. Khabib admitted that he considers telling the Scot straight up that it was down to religious beliefs, but, he hilariously opted for a more tongue in cheek response.

Ferguson obviously hadn’t thought the question through but the former UFC champion dealt with it perfectly.