Bellator fighter Vadim Nemkov believes that Alexander Ovechkin is currently more recognizable in America than Khabib Nurmagomedov. In an interview, Nemkov explained that hockey is deeply embedded in American youth sports culture, with many children playing from an early age and knowing who Ovechkin is. He cited Ovechkin's breaking of Wayne Gretzky's goal record and continued dominance as keeping him in the headlines. By contrast, Nemkov suggested that Khabib is no longer as prominent in the news cycle since his retirement. Nemkov acknowledged both would be recognized but gave the edge to the NHL superstar on American soil.
