Bellator light heavyweight Vadim Nemkov believes that Alexander Ovechkin is currently more recognizable in America than Khabib Nurmagomedov. In an interview with Ushatayka, Nemkov explained that hockey is deeply embedded in American culture from childhood, and Ovechkin's recent breaking of Gretzky's record has kept him constantly in the news and at the top of sports coverage. Nemkov noted that many American children play hockey and all know who Ovechkin is. By contrast, he feels Khabib is less well-known now because he no longer competes and doesn't appear in the news as frequently. Nemkov acknowledged both are famous but gave the edge to Ovechkin in terms of American recognition.
