K. Nurmagomedov announced his retirement in October 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc
Former UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Khabib Nurmagomedov retired just eight months ago, long enough to leave MMA fans feeling nostalgic. And, according to Javier Mendez, the Russian's coach, the opposite is true.
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In an interview with the Betway Insider website, Javier revealed that Khabib is finding it difficult to adapt to life away from the octagon. However, he would need his mother's approval to return to compete professionally. The former champion promised his family that he would never fight again after the tragic loss of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who passed away in July 2020, victim of Covid-19.
“I think we can say that he wants to fight again, but he will never do it without his mother's permission. What I know is that his bond with his mother is very strong. Her wishes are absolute. If one day he returns, it will have to be with her blessing, after much conversation. Even though he really wanted to fight, he would never disobey her. That’s how he is,” explained the coach.
Javier Mendez also gave a deadline for a possible return of Khabib Nurmagomedov to the UFC octagon. According to the coach, if Khabib chooses to resume his career, the decision must be made by the end of 2022.
“What I can say for sure is that if two years pass and he is still away from the Octagon, there will be no going back. Before that, while he feels young and in his prime, there is always the possibility that he will talk to his mother and return to action. I guarantee that”, concluded Mendez.
Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement in October 2020, after finishing Justin gaethje in the main fight of UFC 254. The Russian interrupted his career without ever being defeated. There were 29 fights and 29 victories, including three defenses of the Ultimate lightweight belt.
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