When Khabib Nurmagomedov and Zlatan Ibrahimovic squared off in an arm-wrestling contest, it was a clash of titans. The UFC star and the soccer legend came together for a friendly competition during a private gathering in Europe, and the result was a stalemate. Despite both men giving their all, neither could overpower the other, leading to a draw in the end.
The arm-wrestling match was officiated by none other than former Manchester United star Paul Pogba, adding to the star-studded affair. In a video that surfaced on social media, Nurmagomedov can be heard playfully taunting Ibrahimovic during the contest, with the towering Swede responding in kind with humor.
Following the event, Ibrahimovic took to Instagram to share a picture of the three men during the arm-wrestling match, captioning it as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” In response, Nurmagomedov humorously declared that he couldn’t possibly be the “ugly” one in the group.
This light-hearted interaction between the two sports icons showcased their camaraderie and mutual respect for each other’s talents. It was a fun moment that delighted fans across the globe, highlighting the bond between athletes from different disciplines.
In a touching moment before Nurmagomedov’s retirement fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, Ibrahimovic sent the MMA star an inspirational message. The Swede emphasized the importance of mental strength, hard work, and self-belief, encouraging Nurmagomedov to continue his legacy of dominance in the octagon.
The bond between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Zlatan Ibrahimovic goes beyond their respective sports, reflecting a shared passion for competition, excellence, and determination. Their arm-wrestling match was a brief but memorable display of sportsmanship and friendship, leaving fans eagerly anticipating any future collaborations between these two sporting icons.

