Khabib Nurmagomedav is a Russian MMA fighter and is one of the most prized assets of this generation. He competed in the lightweight division of the UFC. ‘The Eagle’ holds the record for being the longest-reigning lightweight champion in the division. Forbes has crowned Khabib Nurmagomedav as the most successful Russian under the age of 40. Khabib’s greatness is exemplified by his undefeated record. In his stint with the UFC, Khabib defeated top superstars like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Rafael Dos Anjos, and many more fighters.
However, his retirement came as a piece of shocking news to the MMA fans as Khabib was in his prime. Though the President of the UFC, Dana White who has a good relation with Khabib tried his best to convince him to come out of retirement. He met The Russian several times over dinner and discussed different opponents who would challenge him. Nevertheless, Khabib stood stern on his stance and decided to stay retired even in the face of some of the most tantalizing offers imaginable.
Apart from that, there were rumors that Khabib would make his comeback against Georges St-Pierre who is one of the greatest welterweights of all time. But he didn’t accept the fight. Khabib’s manager Ali Abdelaziz also confessed that ‘The Eagle’ received an offer of $100 million after he retired to fight Floyd Mayweather. The Former lightweight champion rejected this offer and said that I’m retired, I’m going to keep my word to my mother. If my mother told me to fight again maybe I will. But right now I will not fight.
Also read: Khabib Has a Choice Now”- Georges St-Pierre Reacts to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Retirement
Khabib claims that “He is tired of diving for sweaty legs”
While talking about the future events of the Eagles Fighting Championship in an interview, a reporter asked him whether he would return to not MMA, but to grappling as It would catch a lot of eyeballs in the media and bring a lot more attention. Khabib replied that ‘ I think those questions will never end and I’ll be asked the same questions 10 years from now. ‘Oh, there are fighters that fought at 42 in the UFC’ ‘ Will you return?’ These questions will always be relevant. But I wouldn’t wait for my comeback. You’ll be waiting a long time.
The reporter asked him whether he would be interested in a grappling match. The former lightweight champion expressed his disinterest and asked Why do I need to grapple someone? I am tired of, as they say, diving for sweaty legs. We grapple in training. Shamil knows, Khasbulaev knows. But to fight in an arena. I don’t even know what I have to prove. Why do I need to come out? I’m not interested in self-affirmation and money. Khabib stated:
“Not interested at all. Why do I need to grapple someone? I’m tired of, as they say, diving for sweaty legs. We grapple in training. Shamil knows, Khasbulaev knows. But to fight in an arena to prove, I don’t even know what to prove. Why do I need to come out? I’m not interested in self-affirmation or money,“.
It looks like ‘The Dagestani will not make a comeback in any type of combat sports anytime soon. However, he will be a part of helping and coaching his fellow compatriots and promote his fighting organization.
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