UFC champ Khabib reveals he trains to battle depression and fears for day he retires as he prepares for Gaethje fight

UFC champ Khabib Nurmagedov revealed he trains continuously to fight off depression.

The Russian superstar, 32, is working himself into terrific shape before putting his lightweight belt on the line against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.

Khabib's scrap against the American on Fight Island on October 24 is his first since the death of his father and trainer Abdulmanap.

Abdulmanap died aged 57 in July following complications after contracting coronavirus.

The legendary trainer helped turn Khabib into a lightweight champion and one of the most feared UFC fighters on the planet.

And Khabib revealed how he follows in his father's footsteps by training to help his mental health while admitting he dreads the day he retires.

Reported by RT, he said: "I trained constantly because to some extent it relieves depression from me.

"I train all the time, I like it. When I don't have training, I'm depressed.

"I've been training all my life… to have good energy, I need to train.

"My father was the same. He always trained. His friends always said that wherever they went, he always had a bag with him.

"First, he set up a place for himself to sleep, and then he looked for a gym to train.

"I think I got it from him. This is very important for me, because as long as I'm an active athlete, and as soon as I stop developing, it will be bad."

Gaethje put himself in line to challenge Nurmagomedov after the Russian was unable to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 249.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost – to suicide.

It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.

The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You're Not Alone.

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