Sports magnate Habib Nurmagomedov expresses no desire for a comeback.
Slapping the Mat: Khabib Nurmagomedov's Quitting Time
Former UFC lightweight titan Khabib Nurmagomedov unequivocally states he won't bounce back into the octagon, even if sparring mate Islam Makhachev fights for the belt and comes up short, according to "Championship".
"I've voiced my intentions. Care to dig up my last fight remarks? I reckon I hinted there. Islam is treading his path, while I've embarked on mine. Should Islam hit a snag, I trust he's got the guts to muddle through on his own. Rest assured, we'll be his safety net and offer support to prevent such stumbles. I've no yearnings to re-enter the fray, let alone imagine a return," stressed Nurmagomedov at a presser.
In October 2020, the 32-year-old Nurmagomedov put the humble to Justin Gaethje via rear-naked choke in round two at UFC 254. After the bout, the Russian confirmed his retirement.
Competing against Gaethje was the first bout since Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib's father and coach, succumbed to COVID-19 complications[5].
Fast-forward to March 19, 2021, UFC boss Dana White confirmed Nurmagomedov's permanent retirement[6].
But why did this Dagestani powerhouse decide to hang up the MMA gloves permanently? Here's the scoop:
- Family Ties: Khabib's mum was adamant he retire post his father's demise. After all, Abdulmanap had been a tireless mentor and supporter, albeit not present in the final bout[7].
- Goal Achievement: The Eagle felt he'd ticked every box on his bucket list, retaining an enviable 29-0 record[7].
- Weight Gain Worries: Some individuals float the idea that weight-cutting might have played a part in Khabib's decision[8]. However, he hasn't voiced any concerns in this regard.
- Mentoring Future Champs: After vacating the throne, Khabib now focuses on developing young talents such as Gadzhi Rabadanov, emphatically debunking comeback chatter[7].
In light of his father's passing, Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to retire from mixed-martial-arts, a choice that was firmly supported by his mother. After achieving an impressive 29-0 record with a victory over Justin Gaethje in October 2020, Nurmagomedov confirmed his retirement, a decision that Dana White, the UFC boss, subsequently confirmed in March 2021. Post retirement, Nurmagomedov is now dedicating his time to mentor upcoming mixed-martial-arts champions, such as Gadzhi Rabadanov, putting an end to any comeback speculation.
