Back in Dagestan, Khabib has no regrets about announcing retirement: 'Mission accomplished'

K. Nurmagomedov has no regrets about announcing his retirement. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Russia is celebrating. After winning Justin gaethje, UFC 254, and defend the lightweight belt (70,3kg) for the third time, Khabib Nurmagomedov He returned to Dagestan, his home, and, it seems, he will spend a good amount of time there. Retired, 'The Eagle' does not regret making this important decision, despite the lamentations of the MMA community.

To the Russian website RT Sports, Khabib informed that he knows he surprised fans and Dana White himself with the announcement, but highlighted that, by reaching first place in the weight-for-weight ranking, his mission in the sport was successfully completed. Furthermore, the former champion recalled that there are rare cases of fighters capable of ending their careers, enjoying a great moment.

See too

Cormier praises Khabib's character at UFC 254: 'I didn't want to hurt Gaethje in front of his parents'

Dana White regrets and does not believe that Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight again: 'Real retirement'

Touched by Khabib's retirement at UFC 254, Cormier celebrates his friend's career: 'Greatest of all!'

Early retirement: besides Khabib, remember other athletes who retired from their sports early

Eternal Khabib: who is the athlete behind the 29 victories? Follow the trajectory of the Russian, who leaves MMA undefeated

“Everyone reacts differently. Of course Dana wants me to keep fighting and generating revenue, but I can make money on my own. I'm at the peak of my career, but the decision has been made and this is the best time to retire. Not everyone is capable of retiring in their prime. I know that in one, two or five years, I would have to face this decision again. I did enough in the sport to be considered the best. I was ranked as the number one fighter pound for pound, so the mission is accomplished. What else is there to do? Make money? I will always be able to do this. Life goes on,” said Khabib.

As revealed by Khabib himself, the person who influenced his retirement was his mother, even so, he thinks he surprised even himself. Regarding the future, the Russian bets on his friend, Islam makhachev, as his successor.

“There was a lot of emotion. My mom knew, but I don't think she expected me to announce my retirement right after the fight. I had promised her that this would be my last fight. As my father said, when I retire, there will be another champion. There will be no other fighter like me. It will be difficult to repeat what I did. We are planning for Makhachev to take my place”, he concluded.