Khabib opens up about the loss of his father and puts his future in MMA in doubt after UFC 254

K. Nurmagomedov (right) next to his father. Photo: Reproduction / Instagram

There are just over two months left for MMA fans to follow the long-awaited return of Khabib Nurmagomedov to the octagon. With a scheduled fight against Justin gaethje for October 24th, at UFC 254, which will mark the unification of the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg.), the world will also stop to watch the Russian's first performance since the tragic death of his father, Abdulmanap, at the beginning of July. In an interview with 'RT Sport', the 'Águia' spoke emotionally about how the preparation process is going without his main mentor.

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“Everyone in this room has lost someone. A friend, neighbor, cousin, mother, father, girlfriend. Everyone goes through loss and I understand, but on the other hand, it's very difficult. Some people have an exclusively father-son relationship, but my father was very close to me. We were friends. He was my father and coach, we were always together. Of course I'm sad”, said the linear champion.

Khabib also opened up about how the loss of his father, victim of complications from Covid-19, affects his preparation for what should mark the toughest clash of his career. The Russian, however, tries to overcome the difficulties and maintain focus for the clash against the North American.

“If I told you it didn’t affect my training, I’d be lying. It affects me. I think about him all the time. Maybe this pain will take me to another level and make me stronger. A challenge either breaks you or makes you stronger. Let’s see what he does to me this time”, explained Nurmagomedov.

Considered one of the best athletes in recent MMA history, Khabib also spoke about the possibility of retiring from the sport after the duel in UFC 254. The fighter spoke about his career in the sport and confirmed that it is a possibility.

“I have some different thoughts regarding this. Right now, I'm thinking about my next fight. Let's see what happens. I'm 31 years old, I'll be 32 in September. It's a considerable age. I'm not a rookie anymore. Looking back at how much time I've invested in the sport, I'm like a veteran. I've been a professional for 12 years, since 2008. I've been in the UFC for more than eight. If I look back, I had an excellent career”, he concluded.

Currently, Nurmagomedov is undefeated in his professional mixed martial arts career. The Russian has played 28 matches.