Khabib Nurmagomedov faces renewed backlash over comments on women in MMA

March 30, 2026 Oliver Obel

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has drawn fresh criticism after again voicing opposition to women competing in mixed martial arts, reigniting a debate that has followed him for years.

Speaking during a Q&A event hosted by Sun Hills Development on March 26, clips of which circulated widely on X, Nurmagomedov said that while women are free to make their own choices, he does not support their participation in professional fighting.

“There are women who choose this sport, it's their choice,” he said. “If you ask me, I wouldn't choose this sport for women. It's brutal, even for men… for women, I don't even consider it.”

The comments quickly gained traction online, prompting a wave of reaction across social media.

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Longstanding stance resurfaces

Nurmagomedov has previously faced criticism for similar remarks. At a 2018 Q&A event in Saudi Arabia, he was asked how women could succeed in MMA.

“For females, I have very good advice: be fighters at home,” he said at the time. He added, “finish your husband. Smash him really bad.”

Those comments were widely condemned when first made and resurfaced again as his latest remarks spread online.

Views shaped by upbringing

In his recent appearance, Nurmagomedov linked his position to his cultural and religious background, describing traditional gender roles as central to his worldview.

“Where I grew up, I didn't see anything like that,” he said. “Every person in life has a mission. For a man, it's to raise kids, take care of the family… It’s not without reason. God made it this way: a woman is weaker, a man is stronger.”

He added that while he supports women training for self-defense, professional competition remains difficult for him to accept, calling it “something wild” to see women being struck in fights.

Nurmagomedov, who has often spoken about the role of his Islamic faith in shaping his views, framed his comments as reflective of tradition rather than a critique of individual athletes.

Divided response

Reaction online was swift and split.

Some critics described his comments as outdated, pointing to the rise of elite female fighters such as Ronda Rousey and Valentina Shevchenko and the UFC’s investment in women’s divisions over the past decade.

Others defended Nurmagomedov, arguing that his views are rooted in cultural and religious values that differ from those typically associated with Western sports.

The discussion underscores a broader tension within global MMA, where the sport’s rapid growth has brought together audiences and expectations from very different cultural backgrounds.

Sources: Sun Hills Development Q&A (March 26, 2026); 2018 Saudi Arabia Q&A appearance