Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ex-coach Javier Mendez gives insight into Khabib’s love for MMA even after retirement. Let’s start with some comeback talk regarding Khabib Nurmagomedov, addressed by his old coach.
In March 2021, Dana White formally declared Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement. Following his third successful defence of the lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020, Nurmagomedov shocked everyone by announcing his retirement. With a flawless 29-0 career record and a 13-0 UFC record, the 32-year-old retired as the lightweight champion.
Abdulmanap, Nurmagomedov’s coach and father, passed away in July 2020 due to difficulties related to Covid-19. Before accepting the fight with Gaethje, Nurmagomedov claimed to have spoken with his mother for three days. After his victory, Khabib made an emotional announcement: “Today, this was my last fight. Ain’t no way I’m going to come here without my father.”
Can Khabib Nurmagomedov Return To UFC?
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ex-coach Javier Mendez knows Khabib’s love for the sport. When Tyson Fury’s and Oleksandr Usyk’s match took place, Khabib got goosebumps. Khabib also told his ex-coach that the results could have differed if he had fought inside the ring.
Until last year, there was a 0% chance of Khabib’s returning to the octagon again or into the sport. But the coach has said his return might be a 1% possibility. Though the decision is entirely up to Khabib Nurmagomedov, recently, he has been sharing clips of him training with the sandbag and testing his boxing skills. Even though he has refrained from stepping inside the fighting ring, the fighter still processes his skills and speed.
Khabib’s Love For The Sport Of MMA and UFC
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Former professional mixed martial artist Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov is of Russian origin and participated in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight category. From April 2018 to March 2021, he was the UFC Lightweight Champion with the longest reign ever. He had an unbeaten record when he retired, having won 29 games and lost none.
Nurmagomedov, a two-time combat sambo world champion, has experience in judo, sambo, and wrestling. At his retirement, He had the top spot in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, although he lost that position in March 2021 after taking a title vacation.
- Fight Matrix ranks him as the greatest lightweight of all time.
- Nurmagomedov topped the list of the 40 most successful Russian show business and sports figures under 40
- He was named the most profitable Russian athlete by Forbes in 2019.
Also Read: Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals How He Is Truly Implementing Strategy to His Teammates
