Ulama & the general Muslim public have been getting enthralled by a "world champion" fighter Khabib.

Answer

In this era it is simple to understand why the evil Ulama are promoting and halaalizing major sins such as the villainy you have described. They do so because Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"An age will dawn when…..the worst of the people under the canopy of the sky will be the ulama. From them will emerge fitnah and the fitnah will rebound on them."

One Buzroog emphasizing the villainy of these Ulama-e-Soo' said: "Under the canopy of the sky are also kuffaar, mushrikeen, dogs and pigs. Yet Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the ulama will be the vilest under the canopy of the sky." Thus, these so-called 'ulama' are worse than dogs and pigs. It is not a case of them being unaware of the egregious villainy and immorality of the filth and haraam factors accompanying the haraam show. The reality is that these zanadaqah molvis masquerading not only as Ulama, but also as Muslims, are atheists. A true Muslim – one who has Imaan embedded in his heart – sins, regrets and turns to Allah Ta'ala for forgiveness. But these khanaazeer 'ulama' to whom you have referred, justify their heinous acts of flagrant haraam, and even promote the 'merit' of the plethora of haraam with Ahaadith of which they lack even the haziest understanding. They are pure filth – rijs – as described in the Qur'aan Majeed and Hadith. About these immoral khanaazeer, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"The Saalihoon will depart (from this dunya) one after the other (in quick succession). Then will remain only the TRASH (GHUTHAA), like the chaff (waste matter) of barley or dates. Allah will not have any care for them whatsoever."