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. A post shared by RED CORNER MMA (@redcorner.mma) 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 .
