JOHOR BAHRU — Former UFC lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Khabib Gym Johor here next month.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said Nurmagomedov will visit the international-class training centre, which focuses on sports development as well as the formation of character and values.

“This initiative symbolises the high-impact global cooperation and Johor's determination to emerge as a renowned sports and talent development hub in the region.

“His presence in Johor is a great honour. It is not only to the world of sports, but also to all Johoreans who uphold the values of excellence, discipline and fighting spirit,” he said in his official Facebook post today.

Onn Hafiz expressed hope that the initiative would serve as a catalyst for more champions from Johor who could bring glory to the state and country on the world stage.

In December last year, it was reported that Nurmagomedov, popularly known as Khabib, had agreed to open a training gymnasium in Johor.

Following that, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Nurmagomedov and the Johor Sports Council (MSNJ) was signed in Abu Dhabi.