Is the Khabib Hot Tub Picture Real? | Explained

by Martial Arts Insider

There's a picture of Khabib, his training partners and friends all together in a tub, that has floated around the Internet for several years.

But, is the Khabib hot tub picture real?

In this page, we will explain.

Table of Contents

Is the Khabib Hot Tub Picture Real?

Yes, the Khabib Nurmagomedov picture in the hot tub with other athletes and friends is real. However, as the picture began making its rounds around the internet, there have been many photo shops and alterations of the original picture.

Ultra-popular Nate Diaz would always tweet at Khabib, at times calling him 'Kebob', and in one instance, tweeting the hot tub picture with the caption 'Sambo?'.

Khabib and Islam's Relationship

Although this picture may seem bizarre to some fans, it's important to know that the Russian culture is much different than other cultures, especially American culture.

Islam and Khabib grew up together, went to the same school, and eventually began training together in the same gym.

Most of the Dagestan is mountainous, and Khabib's father (Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov) would take him, Islam and the rest of his students to do training camps in these mountains under high elevations and no distractions.

This is exactly how Khabib became so strong, as he developed endurance, mental toughness, physical toughness, and mastered wrestling and Sambo.

Islam, only a few years younger than Khabib, would explain that training with Khabib helped him improve tremendously.

Khabib would state that although they began as friends, Islam has become part of his family.

Khabib's father would say that when Khabib is finished with MMA, Islam is a future UFC champion.

The UFC made a great video about this relationship which you can find below.

When the Picture Resurfaced

This picture originally resurfaced when Khabib was involved in the company's biggest grudge match, against Conor McGregor.

McGregor would call Khabib a 'Leg hugger' in reference to Khabib's dominant wrestling, suggesting that he was unable to stand up and strike, or do much of anything else.

Khabib would respond with his own tweet, telling McGregor not to be fake, with a picture of Khabib on top of McGregor, a second after Khabib submitted him.

Islam Comments on the Hot Tub Picture

In an interview by a Russian outlet, Islam would be asked by a journalist about the picture.

The journalist would ask Islam how did this event happen and where that photo came from.

Islam would respond by stating

I don’t know, I don’t even remember when that photo was taken. There’s already thousands of modified versions of this photo, there was nothing wrong on that photo, everyone was dressed, it was photo shopped later, modified however people wanted.

Related Articles

What Does Khabib Look Like Without a Beard?

Who is the Best Russian UFC Fighter?

What Does Khabib Always Say?

Back to MMA