K. Nurmagomedov's father's death was crucial to the fighter's decision to leave MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The early retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to give something to talk about in the world of MMA. After shocking the world and officially leaving the sport, after winning Justin gaethje and unify the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg) in the UFC 254, the Russian continues trying to explain the decision. In conversation with the Head of State of Dagestan (Russia), Sergei Melikov, the Ultimate champion opened his heart and spoke about the moment.
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“This fight (against Gaethje) was unlike any other. The emotions were completely different. Everything is different without my father. The fight was offered to me after everything happened – Khabib's father, trainer and mentor, Abulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away in July, a victim of complications from Covid-19. I could have accepted or denied. Nobody knew that. Either retire, or come back, fight and retire,” Khabib said.
The fighter then tried to justify the option of not continuing in the sport. Anyone who follows the Russian's career knows how important his father was in his preparations, as Abdulmanap was the main supporter of the fighter's career.
“Now, I tell people who are close to me, who are not happy about my retirement, that if I fight 10 more times, I would still have to face that decision. She could appear when I was 32, 34 or 35. It's a difficult decision because I've been fighting my whole life. I have been competing for as long as I can remember. It's hard to leave and do something else. People don’t understand, but what can I do?”, he concluded.
Recently, Dana White expressed optimism about Khabib's eventual return to the Octagon. The 'big boss' revealed that he has been in contact with the fighter, but, apparently, the Russian's decision to step aside has been consolidated, so far.
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