Khabib Nurmagomedov caught the fans off-guard with his recent decision to step away from MMA. After guiding Islam Makhachev to a UFC title win at UFC 280, the veteran decided to walk away from the sport completely. Hence, he also did not corner Makhachev for his UFC 284 bout against Alexander Volkanovski. But now it looks like Khabib is not completely disconnected from the sports world.
Very recently, Khabib took to his social media platforms to announce that he will soon launch an e-sports brand. Although not much is known about the endeavor, Khabib promises an engaging experience for the fans that will help them connect with their favorite athletes even more! The former UFC lightweight champ announced the project in partnership with a Dubai-based company “Gameplan.”
He also shared the news on his Instagram stories and wrote, “As the world is moving more towards digital, we are building a decentralised platform where you can connect to your favourite athletes and teams. Big news soon Inshaallah.”
Gameplan’s Twitter bio describes itself as “the world’s first sports metaverse.” As Khabib himself noted, more details about the project will soon be announced. However, by the looks of it, it will be something similar to what Alexander Volkanovki recently did with the Facebook head honcho Mark Zuckerberg. They recently put on their virtual reality suits and had a sparring match. The end product looked spectacular.
Fans beg Khabib Nurmagomedov to return to MMA
Although fans will not get to witness Khabib Nurmagomedov fighting in real life, the new virtual reality game may change that. There is a chance that Khabib dons the gloves once again for the new project. But that is not likely to satisfy his fans. Although they begrudgingly accepted the fact that Khabib will not fight again, fans were hoping to see him stay involved in the sport.
He basically ran Islam Makhachev’s UFC 280 camp single-handedly and paid around $1 million from his own pocket. The Eagle pushed Islam Makhachev to his limit and it reflected in the latter’s performance. Islam did not let Charles Oliveira even touch him during the fight. After knocking him down, Makhachev finished the fight with a submission.
But Khabib’s absence was felt during UFC 284. Although he stayed in touch with Islam via phone, Khabib was not there to oversee Islam’s fight camp. It resulted in a lackluster performance from the reigning champ. Islam barely managed to outpoint Volkanovski and win via decision. However, Joe Rogan thought Islam did not do enough to win the fight.
With that in mind, fans want Khabib Nurmagomedov to return as Islam’s coach. They cited Islam’s troubles to make their case for Khabib to return.
Here are some reactions on the matter
go back to makhachev’s corner, he loses the rematch with volk without u.
— darmil (@darmilw) February 15, 2023
Khabib where were you 💀 pic.twitter.com/I1dCT0Pt3h
— einfamous (@einfamous1) February 15, 2023
Build a gameplan for Islam, he got smashed by a 145er. Not lookin good bruv
— Thenotoriousnene (@Thenotoriousne2) February 15, 2023
Metaverse??? Nah bro, upload videos teaching MMA that's much better
— X$ (@XabiSnSn) February 15, 2023
I hope this won't keep people from training brother..
— Curley. (@curleycircle) February 15, 2023
Get back in Islam's corner then
— 🇮🇪Honest McGregor Fan☘️ (@GregorMcConor3) February 15, 2023
Comeback khabib
— DON QUIXOTE (@a_ishfa) February 15, 2023
What are your thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s recent project? Do you think he is planning on coming back to MMA? Let us know in the comments down below.
