Bellator fighter Vadim Nemkov stated in an interview that he believes Alexander Ovechkin is currently more recognizable in America than Khabib Nurmagomedov. Nemkov explained that hockey is widely played by children in the United States, similar to Russia, and Ovechkin has remained in the spotlight by breaking Wayne Gretzky's record and continuing to set new milestones. He noted that Khabib is less well-known now because he no longer competes and doesn't appear in the news as frequently. Nemkov suggested that while both figures are recognized, Ovechkin's ongoing career and constant presence in top-level hockey keeps him more visible to American audiences.
