By dispatching McGregor and maintaining his perfect record, Khabib became one of world sport's most visible stars. And in the process, he became even more conscious of his role and impact as a Muslim athlete in a world marred by Islamophobia. Called the Muhammad Ali of his generation, a title he himself would not accept, Khabib confronted the challenges that came his way by remaining steadfastly himself, and steadfastly Muslim.

SEED: Potential essay angle: how sporting fame converts into religious representation and advocacy for Muslim athletes facing Islamophobia.

Khaled A. Beydoun, The New Crusades_ Islamopho…, loc. 1093