UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov moves into charity work in retirement and closely working with drug rehabilitation centre

KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV is 'very closely involved' in a charity drug rehabilitation centre, it has been revealed.

The UFC lightweight champion, who retired in October, is putting in time there alongside training partner Magomedzaid Zaidov.

Zaidov was once a drug addict himself for around eight years, but now runs his own rehabilitation centre while fighting in MMA.

And he said Nurmagomedov plays a personal role in inspiring addicts in his homeland of Dagestan to overcome their problems, acting as an influential role model offering motivation and support.

Zaidov, 29, told Sport Express: “Khabib himself is very closely involved in the process of helping drug addicts

"He helped a lot of people. [There are] 50 people who he helped to rehabilitate.

"Khabib took his time, came, paid attention, talked to them. It costs even more than financial aid.

"And the attention that a person pays is worth a lot. Khabib helped a lot with this – the guys from the area who he grew up with."

Nurmagomedov, 32, is a devout Muslim and as a result does not drink or take any other substances.

Zaidov, 2-0 as a pro, is signed to Khabib's Eagle Fighting Championship banner and faces Ruslan Goncharov in his next bout.

Despite sharing a gym together, Nurmagomedov currently has no plans to return to the UFC.

The Russian star hung up the gloves after his first fight since the loss of his influential father Abdulmanap, who passed away aged 57 in July.

But beforehand, Khabib maintained it was always his dad's dream to see him walk away from the fight game 30-0.

With Nurmagomedov one win away from doing so, UFC president Dana White tried to tempt him back in a meeting on Fight Island in January.

White revealed Khabib would consider a return if a lightweight contender at UFC 257 convinced him to do so.

But, after Dustin Poirier stunned Conor McGregor – two of Nurmagomedov's former opponents – he seemed to shut down the notion.

White said: "I did talk to Khabib. He said to me 'Dana be honest with yourself, I'm so many levels above these guys, I'd beat these guys'.

"It doesn't sound very positive so we'll see. I've told you guys before he won't hold the division up. He's basically retired."

Nurmagomedov was linked with his dream fight against UFC legend Georges St-Pierre, but his manager shut down rumours of negotiations.

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