Football Star Erling Haaland Rubs Shoulders with UFC Legend Khabib

19 February 2024

While recovering from a persistent foot injury, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been utilizing his time effectively during the short Premier League break. The Norwegian sensation, yet to make an appearance for Manchester City in 2024 due to his injury, has returned to training with the first team.

Currently stationed in Abu Dhabi for the club's warm-weather winter training camp, Haaland found himself rubbing shoulders with another sports legend – former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Taking to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Haaland shared a photo of himself alongside the 35-year-old Russian, captioning it, "Great to meet this legend here in Abu Dhabi."

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from mixed martial arts in 2021 with an impeccable 29-0 record, concluding his career with a memorable victory over Justin Gaethje via second-round submission at UFC 254. Despite stepping away from professional fighting, Khabib remains an influential figure in the sports world, with a keen interest in football.

Renowned for his passion for the beautiful game, Khabib is frequently spotted at major football events across Europe. Recently, he graced the stands at the San Siro alongside football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic, demonstrating his continued involvement and love for the sport.

ALSO READ | Tragedy strikes MMA School of Khabib as Dagestani MMA Fighter Shot Dead

Haaland's encounter with Khabib highlights the convergence of talent and camaraderie among elite athletes, transcending boundaries between different sporting disciplines. As Manchester City continues its preparations for the remainder of the season, Haaland's interaction with Khabib serves as a reminder of the diverse connections fostered within the world of sports.

Great to meet this legend here in Abu Dhabi! @TeamKhabib pic.twitter.com/bSSZLcrEci

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) January 23, 2024