Khabib Nurmagomedov took to Instagram to express his gratitude towards UFC President Dana White after the latter confirmed his official retirement from the sport.
“29-0. He is 100% officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work. Khabib Nurmagomedov, thank you for everything and enjoy whatever is next my friend.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMlknwdMIO1/
“Dana – I’ll never forget your attitude towards me, my father did not forget and my sons will remember you. Today there was a real conversation between real men.”
Nurmagomedov also requested fans to accept his decision and understand him. Nurmagomedov’s decision to retire came in the wake of his mother not wanting him to compete inside the Octagon after his father’s demise. Nurmagomedov announced his retirement back at UFC 254 after successfully defending his UFC lightweight champion against Justin Gaethje.
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29-0 it is.
He is 💯 officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend. pic.twitter.com/QeoSP12zw2
— danawhite (@danawhite) March 19, 2021
However, UFC President Dana White was persistent that Nurmagomedov would return to touch the coveted mark of 30-0. Be that as it may, it seems like Nurmagomedov is done and will go down undefeated with an impeccable record of 29-0.
In light of Nurmagomedov’s retirement, UFC has also announced Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler for the vacant UFC lightweight championship. At the time of retirement, Nurmagomedov reigned as the undisputed UFC lightweight champion and the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
With notable victories against the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Rafael dos Anjos, Michael Johnson among others, Nurmagomedov has cemented himself as arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
What’s next for Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Khabib Nurmagmedov has repeatedly stated that he will continue to train even after retirement. The former UFC lightweight champion has also taken the responsibility of a coach and needless to say, due to his incredible work with fighters such as Islam Makahchev and Umar Nurmagomedov, he is also a frontrunner for Coach of the Year 2021.
Khabib Nurmagomedov will go down as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in the world. What the Dagestani fighter was able to achieve inside the Octagon goes beyond just fighting, but also made us realize how easy it was to be humble and respectful despite the achievements.
Nurmagomedov has jumped into the corporate world and has his own fitness app, telecom company, and MMA promotion to keep him busy. Additionally, he aims to continue helping his friends and fellow UFC fighter in the American Kickboxing Academy. We wish Nurmagomedov all the best in his future endeavors.
