It looks like UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is ready to take flight and leave the world of mixed martial arts behind. Recent reports have suggested that the ‘Eagle’ could be cutting all his ties with the combat sport.
A recent tweet by journalist Chisanga Malata said that the former lightweight champion is planning to focus on his family and his business. The journalist tweeted:
“?JUST IN? Former #UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is reportedly planning to completely leave MMA. Nurmagomedov has, of course, thrown himself into coaching & Eagle FC since his retirement 2 years ago. He is expected to focus on his family and businesses.”
Check out the tweet below:
Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from MMA after successfully defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Due to a promise he made to his mother, the Dagestani champion has vowed to end his MMA career. Nurmagomedov’s father died in July 2020, which is another factor that most likely influenced the Russian’s decision to retire.
The Eagle had an impressive and successful career as a fighter, never losing a match in his 29-fight streak till he retired. That earned him a place in the 2022 batch of UFC’s Hall of Famers.
After retiring from the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov started his own promotion, ‘Eagle FC,’ which was a great success. He also took on the role of mentor to Dagestani fighters Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov and Umar Nurmagomedov.
By 2022, Khabib had become one of the most successful coaches in the sport, having helped two of his proteges become world champions with his Midas touch.
It will be interesting to see if the 34-year-old follows through on his intention to leave the sport or if MMA can entice him to return, as the sport tends to bring its gems back.
Khabib Nurmagomedov predicts Islam Makhachev will not have more than six title defenses
In a recent interview with RedCornerMMA, Khabib said that he expects his champion protege Islam Makhachev to have five or six title defenses before signing out of the sport.
The lightweight legend believes that the human body and its physical capabilities deteriorate over time, making it impossible for a fighter to remain at the top forever. The UFC Hall of Famer said:
“I think he needs at least five. Maybe six. That would be ideal. Six defenses, that’s six fights and three years. Then it’s possible that the sport leaves him because nobody can stay on top forever. The way the Almighty created a man, he first becomes strong then weak. He’s young, then he’s old. Knowing that, the goal is five-six defenses.”
Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov’s interview below [4:28 mark]: