"So much has passed, so much sweat and blood has been shed, weight has been made and this night has been over. O the Almighty, grant me the opportunity to complete what I have begun."

Disclaimer: my being a big fan of Khabib perhaps makes me biased regarding the contents of this book, but I believe all can enjoy this tale of a boy who grew up in the mountains and overcame a great many foes in his pursuit of reaching the summit.

”Only now I understand how much having a dream means in human life. Maybe it was precisely those Saturday family evenings in Kirovaul watching fighting shows and tournaments that laid the foundation for my aspiration to world sporting heights.”

To begin attempting to understand Khabib Nurmagomedov is to understand the region from which he hails from, along with the harsh way of life characteristic of the Caucasus. A history of fighting, a land of warriors, Dagestan literally breeds world champions in various forms of martial arts. The athletic abilities of its habitants, though otherworldly in its own right, does not compare in importance to the strength of will and psychological endurance of all who call this nation home. I really enjoyed Khabib's descriptions of his childhood wherein we get to see that he was quite the troublemaker like any other growing boy his age, resorting to skirmishes frequently due to his lack of understanding of Russian at the time. The simplicity of desiring not much in such an environment has carried over into his adult life, I would say, as Khabib has stated that no matter how much money someone has, they still only eat one bread a day. Known for the headgear he darns, the papakha, he carries centuries worth of a warrior's spirit within him, and I truly believe that because of this fact, there is nothing one can do in the cage that can break Khabib's sheer force of will, no matter if he physically loses a fight in some future.

”Nothing that we gripe at can be avoided, and that which should be avoided will not be met in life's path.”

Dagestan is also a very devout region, Islam being the religion of practice amongst its people, Khabib being no exception. As someone whose family is Muslim, though I myself do not practice in full form, and whose ancestry traces back to the Caucasus Mountains as well, I find this aspect most personal to myself. Not one to ever curve his beliefs to suit the Western world, Khabib has never swayed from expressing his love and thankfulness for God, and its something about him that I admire greatly. Even in the face of thousands of booing fans, he never fails to praise God, becoming only more vocal and steadfast in his words and actions. He is a man who is secure in his path as guided by the compass predestined by God, and such a fortitude of mental strength born from this faith has shaped Khabib significantly both in and out of the Octagon. His impact as well should be considered since, through his humility and general good nature, he has become a role model the Muslim community and the rest of the world beholds with pride.

”But the main thing was the joy on Father's face. Looking at him, I wanted to fight again, so that his sincere smile and pride in his son's success would never leave him.”

While reading this autobiography, it is undeniable that the love Khabib has for his friends and family is another pillar of the man separate from the fighter. MMA fans all know of his frequent usage of the word 'brother', an epithet that I cannot help but smile at every time I hear him say it. He truly sees those who have supported him in times of despair and victory alike as his brothers-in-arm, beyond the technicalities of shared blood. The loyalty this group of brothers has for one another is really amazing to witness, going as far as to blindly go to war without having all the facts of the situation save for knowing a brother is compromised and needs help. I am rooting for the further success of Islam Makhachev, Abubakar Nurmagomedov, and Umar Nurmagomedov!

Another aspect of family that one must address when discussing Khabib is his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, or as he is commonly and endearingly referred to as in this book, 'Father-coach.' With his own achievements in the fighting world, Abdulmanap paved the way for combat sambo in the region, instilling core values of not only the sport but also of life in his pupils, especially Khabib. Through the classic parenting style of the East, there was much control over his son in attempt to move him onto the right path away from the dangers lurking in one's adolescent years. The relationship between these two is so pure in its love, and even now I struggle to put into words what this father has done for the success and growth of his son. It is clear for all to see in interviews and videos how much love there was, father and son. The passing of Abdulmanap was felt by the MMA world, but, of course, by Khabib the most, retiring after his recent fight against Gaethje in which he broke down into tears, a heart-wrenching exhale, a release of pent up emotions. I truly wish nothing more for Khabib and his family to find peace.

”The flight to the summit was only the beginning of a path - a new path. I had to hold onto the belt. I was ready to fight with anyone so that Father and my newborn son would long see the inscription on the UFC champion's belt displayed on or living room bureau.”

So, yes, all this to say that this autobiography has been a fantastic read for me as a fan but also as a person. There is a great deal of knowledge imparted by Khabib in this book, and his constant address of the reader made it connect very much with me in this regard. I hope that I can instill within me some of these lessons arching across the life and career of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undisputed and undefeated UFC Lightweight Champion.

”Your present day is the result and continuation of yesterday's day, my friend.”