UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has issued high praise for Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, and revealed his admiration for the Egyptian forward.

Speaking to Al Ittihad newspaper, the fighter who knocked out Conor McGregor before sparking a brutal brawl in Las Vegas last month, singled out Salah as an excellent role model for young Muslims.

“I follow him but I haven’t met him before. He’s a great player, we want many role models like him,” Nurmagomedov told the paper, as translated by RT.

“They reflect the true image of our ethics. I feel that Allah is standing with him [Salah], and our new generations need those who are like Mohamed Salah to learn humility, no matter how famous and innovative you are.

“He’s an icon that we must protect, and we stand behind him so he can continue to succeed. I admire him and the ethics and values he spreads every day in Europe.”

The pair are arguably the two biggest Muslim sports stars on the planet at present, with Nurmagomedov’s stunning victory over McGregor rocketing him to superstardom.

While Salah’s record breaking debut season on Merseyside saw him finish third in the FIFA Best awards for male player of the year.