Khabib Nurmagomedov Speaks On His Retirement

Khabib Nurmagomedov is aware that some just don’t understand why he’s retiring.

Nurmagomedov shared the Octagon with Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 254. The action took place on October 24. This was an undisputed UFC Lightweight Title fight. Nurmagomedov scored the second-round submission finish and announced his retirement.

During his retirement speech, Nurmagomedov cited his mother’s wish to have him refrain from fighting after the passing of his father, Abdulmanap. During a meeting with the acting Head of Dagestan Sergei Melikov, Nurmagomedov spoke on his decision to retire (h/t MMAFighting.com).

“This fight was like no other. The emotions in this fight were completely different. Everything was completely different without my father. I was offered the fight right after everything happened. I had the decision to accept it or turn it down, nobody knew about this, or retire, or I could come back, fight and then retire. Now I tell the people close to me that aren’t happy with me retiring that even if I fought 10 more times, I’d still have to face that decision. This decision could come up when I’m 32, 34, 35. It’s a hard decision because I’ve been fighting all my life. I’ve been on the mats for as long as I remember. It’s difficult to leave and do something else. People can’t understand it, but what can you do?”

UFC President Dana White has said that he believes Nurmagomedov will eventually return to the Octagon. White claims to have spoken to “The Eagle” and he said the 155-pound ruler was emotional during his speech. The UFC boss believes Nurmagomedov is motivated to go 30-0 in his pro MMA career.