Lex Fridman
March 3, 2026
Training with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC Performance Institute
Key Takeaways
- 1Training at the UFC Performance Institute reveals the intense legacy of champions who have prepared on those mats
- 2Khabib emphasizes energy management and forcing your opponent to expend effort rather than wasting your own
- 3The pressure and physical intensity of training with elite fighters is immediately overwhelming but invaluable
- 4Mental preparation through conversations with legendary fighters like GSP provides perspective before high-level training
- 5Proper technique and positioning (like correct leg placement) is fundamental before attempting advanced grappling
Chapters
1. Introduction & Gratitude
Lex expresses excitement about training with Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the greatest fighters of all time, at the UFC Performance Institute. He references GSP's humorous advice and acknowledges the historic significance of the location.
2. Beginning Training Session
Training begins with technical instruction on proper leg positioning and footwork. Khabib demonstrates the fundamental mechanics required before moving into more advanced grappling exchanges.
3. Pressure & Energy Management
Khabib highlights the extreme pressure during the exchanges and teaches the critical lesson of energy conservation—making your opponent work while minimizing your own effort expenditure.
4. Wrestling Fundamentals
Focus shifts to understanding how to control positioning and force opponents to exhaust themselves through proper technique rather than strength, with emphasis on the physical demands to follow.
Glossary
- UFC PI
- UFC Performance Institute; the official training facility of the Ultimate Fighting Championship where elite fighters prepare and train
- Grappling
- A combat technique involving clinching, wrestling, and ground fighting, as opposed to striking
- Meds
- In this context, likely refers to wrestling/grappling exchanges or medical evaluations following intense training
- Energy Management
- Strategic conservation and allocation of physical effort during combat to maintain stamina and outlast opponents