UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has suggested that “the Almighty” would not look approvingly on his violence in the octagon.

The undefeated Dagestani fighter, 31, wrote on social media on Monday: “The only thing you will never achieve is the satisfaction of people. The priority in all matters and undertakings must be the satisfaction of the Almighty.”

Responding to the post, one person asked: “Do you think that the Almighty is satisfied with you? Taking part in haram (forbidden) fights for money?” “I don’t think so,” Nurmagomedov replied.

Khabib is a devout Muslim and wears his religion on his sleeve during his public appearances. In April 2018 Nurmagomedov explained that “there is nothing else more important to me than being clear with Allah. And being clear with Allah is the No.1 most hard thing in life.

“If I fight and I become famous, now I can talk to people more. I can say, ‘Do this, this and this,’ because a lot of people are watching. I want to be a good example, a good role model. You have to be [a champion] outside the cage too. This is my goal.”

Despite the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts and other contact sports like boxing among Muslims, the mainstream Islamic opinion is that professional prize fighting is haraam.

While seeking physical fitness through sports and martial arts is commendable, it must be done through the avoidance of harm, such as injuring opponents or hitting the face.

In addition, MMA events often take place in an atmosphere where haraam is prevalent, whether that be the presence of scantily-clad women in the octagon or the even the uncovering the ‘awrah.

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