Khabib Nurmagomedov showed off his skills in the unique game of Dagestani basketball in preparation for his fight against Conor McGregor in 2018.

The former UFC lightweight champion is regarded as one of the greatest fighters to step foot into the Octagon. But if Nurmagomedov doesn't want to return to MMA he could always go professional in Dagestani basketball.

In this variation of basketball, the rules have been changed which include: no traveling violations, no fouls, no out of bounds and as this is a Dagestani sport, grappling is also permitted in rules.

Khabib Nurmagomedov playing Dagestani basketball

Dagestani basketball turns out to be a weird hybrid of basketball, rugby and mixed martial arts all rolled up into one weird but strangely exciting sport.

The game between the MMA fighters may not be up to the standard of your typical NBA game or even a college match but nevertheless, it’s just as physical with Nurmagomedov even trying to submit his opponent with a rear naked choke during the game.

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The point of the sport is not to have a fun pick-up game between friends, but instead is meant to warm-up the fighters before they actually train their grappling skills.

Video: Khabib Nurmagomedov playing 'Dagestan basketball'

The highly intense game would likely leave the average person exhausted just after a couple of minutes playing, but most Dagestani fighters who compete in the sport are often fasting without food or water for Ramadan while they play.

What does Khabib Nurmagomedov think about the sport?

Back in 2018 the Russian fighter said: “We play this [Dragestani basketball] through all professional career, before we train it’s like a warm-up

“It’s a little bit hard when you’re competing against four strong men without basketball rules

“We play like 35 - 40 minutes running, sprints, everything

“Today we have not like crazy hard training but little like basketball and after working now a little bit of work on running and condition and then finish because all day we do not eat anything”

This isn't the first time Nurmagomedov has tried his hand at another sport, when in 2021 he trained and played with FC Legion Dynamo who played in the Russian third tier. But it’s probably safe to say the “Eagle” is best at sticking with coaching and competing in MMA rather than football and basketball.