The longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is coming to Toronto for the first time since his retirement for an exclusive sit-down interview.
The charity event, hosted by Penny Appeal Canada, will see Nurmagomedov chat live on stage with rising Toronto artist Mustafa—whose project When Smoke Rises we named the best Canadian album of 2021. Comedians Omar Regan and Yasmin Elhady will open the show.
Nurmagomedov is arguably one of the greatest pound-for-pound MMA fighters of all time, with an undefeated record of 29 wins prior to his retirement.
He’s also the first Muslim to win a UFC title. He has used his platform to promote Islamic teachings. With over 27 million Instagram followers, he is the most-followed Russian on the platform.
Mustafa’s work, from his lyrics to his music videos, contains many references Islam. “Being a Muslim in this climate, being an advocate for Palestine, being Black, being from the inner city, you feel like the entire world is against you. You feel like there are so many powers that want to silence you and bury you,” he told The Guardian.
The artist will be interviewing Nurmagomedov on stage and moderating an open Q&A with the audience.
“Make sure you come out to see Khabib’s first sit down in Canada, and bring your entire family as we have an amazing lineup that will entertain all ages,” says Elhady about the event.
“I’m excited to share the stage with such talented individuals for such a great cause. This event will be THE event of the year,” adds Regan.
The event’s organizer, Penny Appeal Canada, is a relief and development organization that strives to break the cycles of need and poverty for good.
The event will take place Monday, March 14 at Meridian Hall at 7 p.m. Grab tickets here.Â
