Khabib Gym’s Johor Project Moved From Agreement
Johor officials announced a partnership with Khabib Nurmagomedov for a Malaysian training gym on December 3, 2024. The proposed facility later reached a construction milestone when Johor’s regent attended its groundbreaking ceremony on November 18, 2025.
The agreement included youth development
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said a memorandum of understanding had been signed with the state sports council. He connected the proposed gym with discussions about youth-development programs held during an earlier meeting with the regent.
The state delegation met Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi and visited existing training facilities there. Onn Hafiz described the visit as an opportunity to see how a high-level combat-sports center operated.
Abu Dhabi supplied a reference point
The minister noted an MMA Octagon and dedicated areas for jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing and wrestling. He also described equipment for cardiovascular and strength training, alongside rehabilitation facilities.
Those observations concerned the existing Abu Dhabi facilities. They explained the model that interested the Johor delegation as it discussed a separate project for Malaysian athletes and young people.
The Johor site reached groundbreaking
The regent’s official website recorded the November 18 ceremony at the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre in Iskandar Puteri. That announcement established a physical development stage beyond the earlier memorandum.
The agreement and groundbreaking marked successive steps in the Johor project. Neither announcement, by itself, constituted a public opening of the finished gym, keeping the planned Malaysian facility distinct from the training center already operating in Abu Dhabi.
Sources
- Bernama: December agreement, youth-development aims and Abu Dhabi visit
- Regent of Johor: dated ceremony and Iskandar Puteri site
