Khabib Nurmagomedov knew that his UFC career wouldn’t be a long-time thing eight years before he decided to hang up the gloves.
Legendary lightweight champion Nurmagomedov managed to retire undefeated in October of 2020 when he defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. However, it is believed that he quit the sport early due to his mother begging him to spend more time at home after his father Abdulmanap’s passing.
He has since become a successful coach, cornering Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov to their lightweight title wins in UFC and Bellator respectively. He is also involved in the coaching of PFL’s 2024 champion Gadhzi Rabadanov, meaning his gym has all three fighters.
Khabib Nurmagomedov predicted UFC retirement years before it happened
Khabib Nurmagomedov spent years as a terrifying and dominant champion in the UFC, with many fans feeling he would never be defeated. He won the belt in controversial fashion by only beating Al Iaquinta, but proceeded to dominate Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier in his first two defences.
However, when he hung up the gloves after beating Gaethje, fans were shocked. But a new video uncovered by Red Corner MMA shows that he had planned to get out for years, noting the difficulties that come with being a top level fighter.
“My plan is because I am 24 if I win the belt and I stay undefeated, most likely I will leave the sport,” Nurmagomedov explained at the time. “Because it has no end. So if I can win the title and stay undefeated I’ll retire.”
Dana White begged Khabib Nurmagomedov to return
Following his retirement, Dana White refused to admit that Khabib’s career was truly done for months. He continued to offer the former champion comeback opportunities for monster purses, but was rebuked at every opportunity.
“The truth is, he is not committed to anything,” White said at the time, before a failed effort. “What he has committed to is meeting with me next month. We’re going to find out how persuasive I can be. I’ll bet on me every time.”
It took until the following May, almost a year after the emotional moment in Abu Dhabi, for White to set up a vacant title fight. Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler to take the belt, and eventually ended up being defeated by Nurmagomedov’s protege Makhachev.
Since then, Makhachev has made a case for being the greatest lightweight of all time by defending his title actively. He has broke the record for most defences with wins over Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski and Renato Moicano, with Ilia Topuria now emerging as a top challenger.
