Khabib thanks his compatriots for support

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov expressed gratitude to the citizens of Russia, who recognized him as the country's most popular athlete this year.

“It's one thing when you are recognized by experts, trainers, fighters and specialists, and another thing is the recognition of the People. Thank you for being there. Without you it would have been almost impossible,” the fighter wrote on his Instagram.

Khabib fought only one time this year, in which he defeated Justin Gaethje.