By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Reigning world champion UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov drew an excited throng of followers when he dropped into a Dandenong gym on 21 January.
Many clamoured to meet-and-greet the lightweight champ, who claimed the world title after defeating Conor McGregor last year.
Only a select few were admitted for the closed event at Fighters Xpress gym on Princes Highway.
Nurmagomedov was a “humble”, “quiet-spoken” presence as he offered training advice and a Q&A with a group of local fighters, members and staff, gym manager Salim Aschna said.
“They couldn’t believe it.
“Everyone was excited to see a world champion, the No. 1 fighter in the world. No other gyms got the opportunity.”
It was sure to inspire the line of state, national and international winning fighters that have come out of the Fighters Xpress gym, Mr Aschna said.
The martial arts training centre was also “taking kids off the street”, teaching self-defence, discipline and respect.
“We’re doing good things for Dandenong – putting Dandenong on the world map in the fight industry.”
The session was organised with the help of Mr Aschna’s friend, who is a promoter of Nurmagomedov’s Melbourne visit which included a sell-out at Palais Theatre.
For a double dose of fighting royalty, kickboxing eight-time world champion Dzhabar Askerov was also on hand for physical training with local fighters.
Askerov is currently training at the Dandenong gym in preparation for the upcoming ONE championship.
He is being guided by the gym’s head coach and founder Peter Hatton.
Hatton is also the striking coach for Jake Mathews, a UFC fighter from Melbourne.
