Credit: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Khabib Nurmagomedov built his unmatched 29-0 record by dominating three opponents on the same night

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 12:25 PM ET

The proud owner of one of the most accomplished records in modern mixed martial arts history, Khabib Nurmagomedov started his run out in a typical years-gone-by fashion.

A dominant Sambo practitioner in his youth under the guidance of his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, UFC Hall of Fame icon Khabib Nurmagomedov would use that grappling art to achieve success en route to combat sports stardom.

And proving his foes no match for him during his initial rise in mixed martial arts, Nurmagomedov turned back the clock to an era of the sport gone by, with a rare feat.

Clinching a Pankration Cup in 2008 on home soil, Nurmagomedov ran the gauntlet of challengers, to say the least.

Khabib Nurmagomedov scored three wins in single-night tournament

Reminiscent of single-digit UFC events, by the time Nurmagomedov had moved to 4-0 as a professional, the Dagestani grappler had turned in three victories all on the same night on this day in 2008.

Entering the Atrium Pankration Cup the same year as his pro debut in the sport, Nurmagomedov would take out the trio of Magomed Magomedov, Ramazan Kurbanismailov, and then Shamil Abdulkerimov in the finale to win the lightweight tournament.

Oct11.2008

12 years ago today,

Khabib Nurmagomedov won the Pankration Atrium Cup in Moscow, Russia. pic.twitter.com/S7ED5TB8Eq
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) October 11, 2020

Showing off his wicked wrestling game, which would define his UFC run, Nurmagomedov shot an early single leg on Magomedov in their tournament bracket, taking him down and immediately assuming top position.

In the second round of the clash, Nurmagomedov would land an eerily similar takedown to his UFC 229 opening round blitz against bitter rival Conor McGregor, scooting behind Magomedov to complete the shot, with the Dubliner electing to throw an ill-timed knee upon entry.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC wait

Amassing a 16-0 record prior to his entry to the UFC, Nurmagomedov would have to wait a while longer than expected to get the call.

Initially debuting in 2012 with a win over Kamal Shalorus, Nurmagomedov was embroiled in a legal battle with former promotion ProFC over the legitimacy of his UFC deal, resulting in a lengthy battle in court spanning the course of 11 separate cases.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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