Former UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov Backs Spain Over Argentina in World Cup Final Citing Political Views

Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov publicly expressed his political stance ahead of the 2022 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. In an Instagram story posted before the match scheduled for Sunday at 22:00 on Sport1, Nurmagomedov wrote, "The World Cup final will be between Argentina, which loves Israel, and Spain, which loves Palestine. I know who I will support," implying his support for Spain.

Nurmagomedov, a devout Muslim from Dagestan, Russia, has previously voiced support for Palestinians in the context of Middle Eastern conflicts. He retired undefeated in 2020 with a record of 29 wins and no losses and has since focused on coaching fighters and managing businesses, maintaining a large social media following that amplifies his statements.

The post adds to Nurmagomedov's history of publicly expressing his religious and political beliefs. Notably, in May 2025, after the Champions League final, he refused to shake hands with a female presenter on CBS due to his religious convictions, explaining that as a devout Muslim, he does not physically interact with women outside his family.

His recent message ahead of the World Cup final highlights the intersection of sports and political identity in his public persona, drawing attention to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of international football.