Khabib Nurmagomedov Gives Other Indication He is Retired

Khabib Nurmagomedov has given another indication that he's retired and won't fight again in the UFC.

"I have achieved everything in this sport and there isn't someone I would like to fight now," the Russian wrestler told Sport24 when he was on Fight Island earlier this week.

Nurmagomedov last competed in October 2020 when he choked out Justin Gaethje unconscious, dropped to his knees in the middle of the Octagon, and wept as he mourned the death of his father, Abdulmanap.

The UFC lightweight champion then announced an abrupt and emotional retirement in which he said he could not fight on without his father and promised his mother he'd never return.

It brought to an end a dominant MMA career as Nurmagomedov exited with a flawless record of 29 wins (eight knockouts, 11 submissions, and 10 decisions), unbeaten.

The 32-year-old remains a prominent figure in the industry. In December, he launched his own combat company, Eagle Fighting Championships.

But Nurmagomedov did have a mystery meeting with the UFC boss Dana White at a UAE Warriors MMA event earlier this month. White said the fighter would consider a comeback if a 155-pounder like Conor McGregor did "something spectacular" at UFC 257 on Saturday.

However, speaking to Russian media this week, Nurmagomedov reiterated that he is committed to staying retired.

Above all, he does not want to let his mother down by going back on his promise.

"My mother is the most precious thing I have left," he said. "You won't push me to do things that will disappoint my mother.

"I don't even have plans for UFC in the near future. I don't even have any thoughts about preparing for a fight. I saw how Umar was preparing now, and I thought, Alhamdulillah [praise be to God] I left it behind."