Khabib Nurmagomedov
Russian athletes appreciated the idea of awarding the title of Hero of Russia to the Russian mixed style (MMA) fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov. MMA fighter Alexander Shlemenko, former Russian boxer Konstantin Tszyu and sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev opposed.
Thus, MMA fighter Alexander Shlemenko said in an interview with Championat.com that the title of Hero of Russia to Nurmagomedov is “too much too much”.
“For me, a hero is one who sacrifices himself for one or more people. This is how I was brought up. Firefighters, people in war who save others. Maybe there is some kind of gradation … Yes, Khabib has merits that no one denies. But this is a commercial sport. Khabib earned money in it, therefore, I think, is not very suitable for this title, ”explained Shlemenko.
Former Russian boxer Konstantin Tszyu also opposed. “Hero of Russia? For what? Honored Master of Sports – this is understandable, not even discussed. And the title of Hero of Russia … I don't understand. No matter how much I respect Khabib and all that he does. These are incomparable things, ”he told Sport24.
Sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev also agreed with the athletes' opinion. He said in an interview with Sport-Express that this is the opinion of only one State Duma deputy, and it is necessary to look at the reaction of other deputies. “But let's not waste titles. We have the title of Hero of Labor. If we talk, for example, about the title of Hero of Labor – an athlete like Svetlana Romashina certainly deserves it. Khabib is certainly also a good athlete, ”the journalist noted.
Earlier, the three-time Olympic champion and State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina said that the Russian mixed style fighter (MMA) Khabib Nurmagomedov should not be awarded the title of Hero of Russia.
On November 4, State Duma deputy Gadzhimurad Omarov made a proposal to award Nurmagomedov the title of Hero of Russia. “Guys like Khabib are worthy role models for the younger generation, because each generation should have its own idols!” – he declared.
On October 24, Nurmagomedov defeated American Justin Gage in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) tournament, retaining the promoted lightweight belt. After the fight, he announced his retirement from the sport.
