However, while Nurmagomedov pummeling opponents in the Octagon has thrilled people for years, it is his pummeling of a bear that has caught the eye of the People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA).
A series of videos has surfaced online from 2014 to 2019 showing the UFC Lightweight Champion wrestling a chained bear, which has lead to PETA asking the UFC to reevaluate their relationship with Nurmagomedov.
”PETA encourages the UFC to evaluate its relationship with Mr. Nurmagomedov until he shows a clear change in attitude and a commitment to showing animals the respect that they deserve,” a PETA spokesperson said to Business Insider. “Wrestling with a chained bear is loathsome behavior that shows an utter lack of respect for and consideration of who these animals are.”
Petitions have also started surfacing demanding that the bear, which Nurmagomedov allegedly keeps on his property, be moved to a sanctuary.
There has been no response from this time from either Nurmagomedov or the UFC to the request made by PETA.
