MOSCOW/UAE – A lighthearted challenge between two global icons has turned into one of the most talked-about crossovers of the year, as former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov publicly invited Telegram CEO Pavel Durov to train with his team — and the tech mogul wasted no time firing back with Khabib’s own legendary words: “Send location, brother.”
The exchange, which quickly went viral on social media, began when Khabib extended an open invitation to Durov, encouraging him to experience the discipline, brotherhood, and physical intensity of professional fight training. Durov, who is better known for disrupting digital communication and standing up to global tech pressures, responded in the same tone Khabib has made world-famous, instantly sparking a wave of reactions from MMA fans and tech enthusiasts alike.
Their connection, however, is not new. Both met during UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, where they reportedly discussed shared passions, including technology, entrepreneurship, and the growing influence of blockchain. Khabib, who has stepped fully into business and media after retirement, is also associated with projects linked to the TON blockchain, closely tied to Durov’s digital ecosystem — making their exchange as strategic as it was entertaining.
While it remains to be seen if Durov will actually step onto the mats alongside Khabib’s elite fight camp, the interaction has already blurred lines between combat sports and the new digital world, offering a glimpse of how traditional influence and modern technology continue to collide in unexpected ways.
Whether a gym session ultimately happens or not, Durov’s response shows he is not just a titan of technology — he is willing to step into the arena, metaphorically or otherwise, with the same spirit that helped Khabib dominate the octagon.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.