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Khabib Nurmagomedov Denounces Video Games in Viral Exchange With Pro Sim-Racer

His on-camera remarks have led to a wider argument over the social and economic value of esports.

Overview

  • The comments were filmed for the Anatomy of a Fighter YouTube channel in a conversation with Turkish sim-racer Cem Bölükbaşı and were widely shared after a clip was posted on X by Championship Rounds.
  • Nurmagomedov said many people spend “10 years” of prime youth on games, called himself “a big hater,” and joked he would “break your computer” if a brother played too much.
  • He rejected comparisons between esports and traditional sport, saying gym training is healthier and more social while gaming changes the mind and offers “no education.”
  • Social media reactions ranged from support to criticism, with pushback citing lucrative esports careers and online community benefits, plus references to combat-sport health risks.
  • Coverage noted an earlier story that he broke teammate Abubakar Nurmagomedov’s computer over gaming, while the new video shows a brief nod to racing titles like Driver.