Khabib Nurmagomedov says he never considered going back on his decision to retire in October, despite UFC president Dana White’s best efforts.
The former lightweight champion, 32, called time on his unbeaten career immediately following his victory against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi. However, White has since attempted to coax him back for one more bout to take his unblemished professional record to 30-0.
On Friday, though, the UFC confirmed Nurmagomedov was “officially” retired, with it soon after announced that Charles Oliveira will face Michael Chandler in May for the vacant lightweight belt.
Nurmagomedov was cage side during the latest UFC event in Las Vegas on Sunday morning, and spoke with ESPN afterwards to explain fully his reasons for stepping away, and his plans for the future.
The unbeaten Dagestani had promised his mother before UFC 254 that that clash would be his last following the death in July of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, because of complications resulting from contracting Covid-19.
Asked on Sunday whether he ever genuinely contemplated a return to the octagon, Nurmagomedov said: “Dana called this official, but I retired like four, six months ago. Dana told me when he posted that [news on Friday] someone commented saying, ‘Hey, he retired not today, he retired about five months ago,’ and I was like, 'It’s funny’.
“We had some conversations with Dana a couple of times and two days ago we met with him to talk like two real men. We had a very good conversation with them, good dinner, and I really appreciated him not only for me, but all the sport.”
For many, Nurmagomedov appeared to be at the peak of his powers last October - incredibly so given his recent personal trauma - with the second-round submission against No 1-ranked contender Gaethje closing out a second Fight Island series in Abu Dhabi. The victory, a third successful title defence, lifted Nurmagomedov to the top of the UFC’s pound-for-pound standings.
“It’s very hard when you have power, when you’re the best in the world, when you’re famous, have money and say to everything like this, ‘No,'” Nurmagomedov said. “It’s very hard. People maybe will never understand me, but I really hope they’re going to support my decision because everyone has their views.
“My view and my relationship with my mother ... I feel like I have to stop because I feel like in every fight, every training camp, this takes some age away from my mother. And what do I have to do?
“I came to this sport to show who I am and became the best: I’m world champion and pound-for-pound No 1. I defended my title three times. I defended my title in the biggest fight in UFC history [against Conor McGregor in 2018]. What else? Only money-fights, but I don’t need money.”
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Khabib's best fights
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UFC 160 (May 2013) – Following his commanding stoppage of Thiago Tavares, Nurmagomedov took on another guy on the up in Abel Trujillo. The Brazilian was expected to offer a stern examination of his opponent’s fabled skills, but could muster barely anything: in the 15 minutes, Nurmagomedov threw around the octagon the heavier Trujillo, completing a barely believable 21 takedowns from 27 attempts. With the decision win, he set a UFC record for takedowns in a single match and secured his position as the promotion’s undisputed best wrestler. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC 165 (September 2013) – Undoubtedly Nurmagomedov’s toughest test until that point, the Russian was up against robust veteran Pat Healy, who was coming off a huge victory and on a seven-fight win streak. However, the American could barely withstand Nurmagomedov’s aggression or talent on the mat. He outpaced Healy – a rarity at the time – and outclassed him, earning a decision victory and moving to 5-0 in the UFC. He had come through in fine fashion. Commanding and conclusive, Nurmagomedov had given his first signature triumph. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC Fox 11 (April 2014) – After a contract dispute between top contender Gilbert Melendez and the UFC put pay to a much-anticipated clash, Nurmagomedov took on instead fast-rising star Rafael Dos Anjos (RDA) – another significantly daunting opponent. Yet he paid no attention to pre-fight predictions, mauling RDA comprehensively. Nurmagomedov ragdolled a future UFC lightweight champion who had never before let that happen. It was 15 minutes of total domination. Despite the points defeat, RDA went on to capture the belt, but many viewed Nurmagomedov as the division’s de-facto champion. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC 205 (November 2016) – Having returned earlier that year following two years of injury and inaction, Nurmagomedov had been expected to fight champion Eddie Alvarez. Much to his annoyance, though, the UFC handed that bout to Conor McGregor. Remaining on the card, Nurmagomedov met the in-from Michael Johnson and, having survived an early onslaught, mauled the American to claim the submission win. Between rounds - sometimes between shots - Nurmagomedov screamed at UFC president Dana White to give him a title shot. “Give me your son,” he declared. “I want McGregor.” Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC 219 (December 2017) – With his title match against Tony Ferguson scuppered by a bad weight cut, Nurmagomedov returned after another lengthy lay-off – 13 months – to meet the dangerous Edson Barboza. True to form, Nurmagomedov dominated his rival on the ground, punishing the Brazilian with punches and elbows so vicious that at the end of Round 1 Barboza struggled to stand. The huge blows continued, with Nurmagomedov taking the victory convincingly on points. Many proclaimed it Nurmagomedov’s best performance in UFC. He landed the lightweight title in his next bout. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC 229 (October 2018) – The highly anticipated scrap with Conor McGregor was fuelled by an altercation ahead of UFC 223, when the Irishman attacked a bus containing various members of Nurmagomedov’s team. Months later, the two rivals met in Las Vegas, where Nurmagomedov made the first defence of his belt, dominating McGregor before sealing a fourth-round submission. After the contest, Nurmagomedov scaled the octagon to attack McGregor’s corner, resulting in a mass brawl. He was later fined $500,000 and banned for nine months. Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images -
UFC 242 (September 2019) – Abu Dhabi marked the setting for Nurmagomedov’s return from suspension, with the fighter’s father Abdulmanap able to corner his son for the first time in his career. At a packed The Arena on Yas Island, the champion saw off interim champion Dustin Poirier by third-round submission, even escaping what at the time seemed a tight guillotine choke from the American. The venue erupted, and Nurmagomedov reciprocated, saying later: “I love these people; these people love me. I want to come back here, maybe next year. Why not?” He held true to his promise. Chris Whiteoak / The National
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Although his fighting career is now behind him, Nurmagomedov said he would still be involved with the UFC. He has a number of teammates with ambitions of following in his footsteps by becoming champions of the sport, including cousin Umar Nurmagomedov and stablemate Islam Makhachev, and has taken a more active role in coaching.
“I have some business projects; I’m going to make money. I’m going to enjoy my life with my wife ... I have kids,” Nurmagomedov said. “And I have my brothers - they’re still fighting in the UFC, so I’m going to support them.”
Asked about his legacy to the sport, he replied: “Honestly, I don’t know. This is the people’s decision. My job was to smash my opponents, and I did this perfectly. Nobody was close.”
