Olympic champion in speed skating, State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova explained the impossibility of conferring the title of Hero of Russia on the Russian mixed style (MMA) fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov. Her words are quoted by NSN.
Zhurova felt that it was wrong to give the title for winning commercial battles without rules. “I have not heard him say that he is in favor of Russia. Dagestan – yes, Islam – yes. It seems to me that the Order of Friendship would be right to give him, ”she said. The deputy added that Nurmagomedov is an outstanding athlete, but he did not win the Olympics, which makes him one of many.
On November 4, State Duma deputy Gadzhimurad Omarov made a proposal to award Nurmagomedov the title of Hero of Russia. He called the athlete a worthy role model for the younger generation.
The initiative was opposed by a three-time Olympic champion and State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina. She was joined by fighter Alexander Shlemenko, as well as former boxers Konstantin Tszyu and Nikolai Valuev.
On October 24, Nurmagomedov defeated American Justin Gage at the UFC tournament, holding the promoted lightweight belt. After the fight, he announced his retirement from the sport. The athlete leads the ranking of the best fighters in the UFC, excluding weight categories. On account of his 29 victories and not a single defeat.
