Former UFC champion Khabib not interested in making a comeback despite popularity among fans

Neither Khabib Nurmagomedov nor his manager Ali Abdelaziz have indicated that ‘The Eagle’ is actively pursuing a return to MMA.

Even though many fans are rooting for the former UFC lightweight champion to retake the throne, Nurmagomedov has decided to hang up his gloves. After a thrilling second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from MMA.

Khabib finished his career with a perfect 29-0 record, including victories over former UFC champions and interim champions Rafael dos Anjos, Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.

Nurmagomedov stunned fight fans by announcing his retirement from the octagon after successfully defending his lightweight belt for the third time at UFC 254.

Khabib retired after the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov because he told his mother he would never fight without his father by his side. Khabib persuaded his mother to let him walk one more time against Justin Gaethje before hanging up his gloves for good after the fight.

In the post-fight interview, an emotional Nurmagomedov paid tribute to his father saying, “A huge thank you to all. To my fans, If I say my fans in Russia, that would be wrong. Let’s say all my Russian speaking fans. A huge thankyou to you all. When I started in 2008, and when I signed with UFC in 2012, many people didn’t believe.

“They thought it was impossible. I am a simple guy from a Dagestani mountain village. When I came here, my brother told me, ‘Google says you are the planet’s most discussed person.’ I couldn’t believe it because I couldn’t even think of that. I just wanted to become champion with the guidance of my father.”

Nurmagomedov has stated his intention to retire

Although UFC President Dana White indicated that Nurmagomedov’s decision to retire was motivated by an emotional outburst, Nurmagomedov has maintained his decision to retire.

While Khabib hinted at a possible return before Conor McGregor faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, ‘The Eagle’ refrained because the result left him unimpressed.

Dana White posted Khabib’s retirement on Twitter earlier this year, confirming that he will no longer compete in the UFC.

Read more: Khabib, Rousey and 3 other UFC fighters who chose to retire at the best possible time