Revealing the pain, glory, rise to greatness, and untold secrets of the undefeated champion, from his iconic victories inside the UFC Octagon and legacy-defining fights, to the personal battles behind the spotlight that shocked the world, featuring never-before-seen moments appearing on screen for the very first time.
By Alex Rivera, Entertainment and Sports Correspondent
February 5, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – In a bold move that underscores the streaming giant’s commitment to premium sports storytelling, Netflix has announced a staggering $10 million investment in a new 10-episode docuseries titled “Khabib Nurmagomedov: Rise of the King”. The series promises an unprecedented deep dive into the life of the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, exploring the highs of his unparalleled career, the lows of his personal struggles, and the untold secrets that shaped one of MMA’s most enigmatic figures.
Sources close to the production reveal that the docuseries will chronicle Nurmagomedov’s journey from his humble beginnings in the rugged mountains of Dagestan to his status as a global icon. Viewers can expect raw, unfiltered accounts of his iconic victories inside the UFC Octagon, including his dominant submission of Conor McGregor at UFC 229, which remains one of the most-watched events in combat sports history. Legacy-defining fights against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje will also be dissected, highlighting the strategic brilliance and unyielding grappling that earned him a perfect 29-0 record.
But the series goes beyond the cage. It delves into the pain and glory of Nurmagomedov’s rise to greatness, shedding light on the personal battles that played out behind the spotlight. From the intense pressure of maintaining an undefeated streak to the emotional toll of global fame, the docuseries uncovers shocking revelations about the sacrifices he made. For the first time on screen, never-before-seen footage will capture intimate moments, including rare training sessions from his early days and candid family interactions that humanize the stoic fighter.
Central to the narrative is the profound influence of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s father and legendary coach. The series pays homage to Abdulmanap’s pivotal role in molding not just Khabib, but an entire generation of Dagestani fighters. Through archival footage and interviews with those who knew him best, viewers will see how Abdulmanap’s rigorous training philosophy—rooted in discipline, faith, and sambo wrestling—propelled Khabib to the top. His untimely passing in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19 is portrayed as a turning point, with Khabib’s retirement shortly after UFC 254 framed as a heartfelt tribute to his father’s legacy. “Abdulmanap wasn’t just a coach; he was the architect of Khabib’s unbreakable spirit,” said one producer involved in the project.
Adding another layer of depth, the docuseries will document the unbreakable bond between Khabib and his longtime friend and teammate, Islam Makhachev. From their early days training together under Abdulmanap’s watchful eye in Dagestan, to their parallel rises in the UFC, the series captures how they grew as both fighters and confidants. Exclusive clips show them sparring as young prospects, sharing motivational talks during grueling camps, and celebrating each other’s victories—Makhachev’s eventual capture of the lightweight title in 2022 is presented as a direct extension of Khabib’s influence. “It’s a story of brotherhood,” teased a Netflix executive. “Khabib didn’t just mentor Islam; they built an empire together, pushing each other through triumphs and heartbreaks.”
Directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Elena Petrova, known for her work on sports biopics, the series features interviews with UFC president Dana White, fellow fighters like Daniel Cormier and Javier Mendez, and even Nurmagomedov’s family members. Production is already underway, with filming locations spanning Dagestan, Abu Dhabi, and Las Vegas. Netflix aims to release the series in late 2026, positioning it as a must-watch for MMA fans and newcomers alike.
This investment comes amid Netflix’s growing slate of combat sports content, following successes like “Drive to Survive” for Formula 1 and “Last Chance U”. With “Khabib Nurmagomedov: Rise of the King”, the platform is betting big on the enduring appeal of a fighter who transcended the sport, blending athletic prowess with cultural significance. As Khabib himself once said, “This is not just about fighting; it’s about life.” And now, the world gets to see it all.
