Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov wrestle bears

Undefeated UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov is generally regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the sport, and his ability on the mat is one of the reasons why the 30-year-old Dagestani fighter is favored to retain his lightweight belt in his first defense against Conor McGregor on Saturday.

Start time and fight card for UFC 229

Khabib has been training for his megafight at UFC 229 since he was a child - though some of his methods were a bit unconventional. A video of a 9-year-old Nurmagomedov wrestling a bearwent viral back in 2013. Earlier this year, MMA analyst Robin Black added commentary to the clip, and the result was tremendous.

Nurmagomedov's father explained in 2015 that he allowed his son to wrestle a bear because there wasn't anything else to do.

"It is a pity that there was nothing more interesting when he was younger. In the end, this was a test of character more than exercise."

Nurmagomedov locked up with a bear once again in 2014. According to Khabi, bears make the best sparring partners.

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