K. Nurmagomedov announced his retirement in October 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc
Legend in the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg) of MMA, Khabib Nurmagomedov There is no doubt about his importance for the sport. Retired undefeated (29-0) since the end of 2020, the Russian spoke openly about being – or not – on the list of the best of all time. Aware of his legacy, the athlete included himself in the group, but shared the 'burden' with six other icons of the sport.
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“I don’t want to boost my name. (…) I am one of the best in history. I'm at the level of Fedor (Emelianenko), Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, Demetrious Johnson and Georges St-Pierre. I'm at the level. I put my name in this environment”, said Khabib, in an interview with 'ESPN' North-American.
Considered one of the best representatives in recent MMA history, Nurmagomedov left the sport in October last season. At the time, the Russian had just unified the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg) against Justin gaethje, remaining at the absolute top of the category.
The decision to 'hang up the gloves' was determined by the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who died in July 2020, a victim of complications from Covid-19. In an emotional speech, still in the Octagon, the 'Eagle' stated that he found no point in continuing to compete without the support of his main mentor and coach.
Today, Khabib is dedicated to preparing new champions in 'American kickboxing Academy' (AKA). Willing to follow in his father's footsteps, the former champion is one of the main coaches of e.g. Islam makhachev, the team's bet as his successor.
In Khabib's mind, there is no GOAT, but GOATs 🐐
(via @bokamotoESPN) pic.twitter.com/eMWZiNJcKh
- ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 13, 2021
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