Johor bahru: Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will make a special visit to Johor next month. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the mixed martial arts (MMA) legend will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Khabib Gym Johor, an international training centre dedicated to sports development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Menteri Besar expressed gratitude to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for his leadership in advancing the state’s global sporting profile. The initiative is seen as a demonstration of high-impact global cooperation and Johor’s ambition to establish itself as a hub for sports and talent development in the region.

Onn Hafiz stated that Khabib’s presence in Johor is a significant honor for both the sporting community and the residents of Johor, who value excellence, discipline, and a relentless fighting spirit. He encouraged the people to anticipate this historic occasion, hoping it will motivate the emergence of more champions from Johor who will bring honor to the state and country on the international stage.

The groundwork for this development was laid in October last year when Tunku Mahkota Ismail hosted Khabib and discussed youth development programs and the proposal for the training gym.