One of the world’s best cage fighters has turned to Melbourne’s most besieged underworld figure for protection.
Footage posted to social media shows ex-bikie and boxer Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim working as a bodyguard for Russian mixed martial arts star Khabib Nurmagomedov at an event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in September.
Suleiman “Sam” Abdulrahim (right) working as a bodyguard for MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov (centre).
Nurmagomedov is the longest-reigning UFC lightweight champion, having held the title from 2018 until 2021. He retired from competition undefeated in late 2020 after a career of 29 wins and no losses.
The 36-year-old famously defeated Conor McGregor in a 2018 bout in Las Vegas that ended in a post-fight melee involving members from both teams after Nurmagomedov jumped out of the cage and attempted to brawl with the support crew of his Irish rival. Both fighters had to be escorted by police and security.
Nurmagomedov, who has built a career in coaching since retiring from the world of professional fighting, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022.
In the footage circulated online, Abdulrahim can be seen dressed in a black shirt and jacket and wearing gold-rimmed sunglasses as he escorts Nurmagomedov inside a building, and stands guard as he is approached by a camera.
“The Eagle has landed in Malaysia,” the title of the video reads in a reference to Nurmagomedov’s nickname.
The footage was recorded before a talk and meet-and-greet event at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre on September 29 titled Khabib Nurmagomedov Live in Malaysia 2024: The Path of a Champion.
The event promised to show the audience “the other side of Khabib, as he shares his story beyond the octagon – from his childhood beginnings to the challenges and triumphs of being an athlete, and where he stands today”, and featured MMA and muay thai performances.
It was an unexpected move by Abdulrahim, who erased his social media presence and went into hiding late last year after becoming the subject of a relentless shooting and firebombing campaign by his rivals. He re-emerged on social media this week to share two shirtless pictures of himself after training.
A poster of the meet-and-greet event with Nurmagomedov in Malaysia in September.Credit:
“Early session done,” read the caption on the mirror selfie.
Abdulrahim has built a reputation as the most hunted man in the underworld after becoming the target of three murder contracts, a prison bashing, three assaults, a dozen firebombings and seven shootings. Described as a “bullet magnet” by some, he has amassed a long list of enemies that includes some of the country’s most powerful bikie clubs and kingpins.
The 32-year-old narrowly survived an attempt on his life in 2022 when he was shot eight times as he was leaving a funeral in Fawkner. He became the target of a second attempted hit in May last year, after allegedly joining forces with interstate gang Brothers 4 Life to gain control of a slice of Victoria’s billion-dollar illicit tobacco market.
The shooting was followed by a string of attacks on properties, businesses and associates connected to Abdulrahim.
In June, his Thomastown home was targeted in a drive-by shooting. A month later, a business owned by Abdulrahim’s friend was firebombed. Arsonists also targeted the venue QRoom in Thomastown before Abdulrahim’s nephew’s scheduled fight.
In August, a Port Melbourne beauty salon where a relative of Abdulrahim works was firebombed. The attack was followed by a fiery ram-raid into a gym connected to Abdulrahim in Brunswick East in October.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.