Khabib was removed from UFC 209. (Photo: Brandon Magnus/UFC)
the rumors that Khabib Nurmagomedov intends to end his MMA career and soon received new momentum with statements from his main coach, Javier Mendez. The head coach at AKA, the gym where the Russian trains with Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, Luke Rockhold, among others, admitted that there is even a possibility that Khabib, aged 28, could retire soon. But not before winning the lightweight title.
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“If that’s what (retirement) he and his father decide, then that’s what will happen. And I support it if that's what they want. But you know, only time will tell, right? I mean, he first has to win that title and I think that's something very important in his life. I think that if his body isn't 100% and his mind is like it always was, wanting to be the best, then he could be a little past 30 due to the fact that things like this happen – delays, injuries. But I see it potentially happening if it’s his wish,” commented Mendez, in an interview with the North American program “Submission Radio”.
Nurmagomedov came close to being one step closer to his dream at UFC 209. He would fight for the interim lightweight belt against Tony Ferguson, but suffered a medical problem during the weight cut and needed to go to the hospital. As he received hydration serum without USADA's approval, he ended up being removed from the event, and lost the chance to win the interim title, which would have put him face to face with Conor McGregor, linear champion of the division up to 70 kg.
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