Khabib Nurmagomedov shocked the world when he placed his gloves on the octagon and announced his retirement. It was well known that he would not be around for long in the sport. However, after his father passed away, there were rumors that ‘The Eagle’ might not fight at all this year.
In a surprising turn of events, Khabib accepted a fight against Justin Gaethje just a few months after his father passed away. Fans believed that the UFC lightweight champion had one more fight left in him after Gaethje, and would try to retire as 30-0 as the undefeated, undisputed lightweight champion of the world.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov announces retirement; Georges-St Pierre shares his thoughts on the same
After UFC 254, Georges-St Pierre appeared on an interview with ESPN. Ariel Helwani asked ‘Rush’ what he made of Khabib’s announcement and if it shocked him that Khabib decided to retire.
‘Rush’ replied, “I was surprised. I was not expecting that at all.… I thought he wanted to do, and all the people in the media said he wanted to do 30-0. That’s his choice. What a great way to finish a career. He left an incredible legacy. One of the best to have ever done it–may be the best to have ever done it.”‘GSP’ continued, “I always feel sad when I see an athlete taking too many fights.… That’s something I really don’t wish (on) someone. Khabib did an amazing decision. Like everything in life, everything has a beginning and has an end. The life of a professional athlete, even an elite athlete, has a window. If we fight past that window, that’s when the problems arrive and appear.”
Khabib vs Georges St-Pierre is a pipe dream now
It’s no secret that Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, ‘The Eagle’s’ late father, wanted his son to face Georges St-Pierre at some point. It was the ‘dream matchup’ for him to see his son face one of the greatest ever.
Leading into the fight against Gaethje, that was a simultaneous storyline that developed. Most people believe that if Khabib got through ‘The Highlight’, the UFC would do everything in its power to put together the dream fight to allow Khabib to attain the magic number that is 30-0.
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However, with his recent announcement, the dream fight for many fans looks unlikely. Though many fighters have announced their retirement and then made a comeback, it looks unlikely that the same will apply to Khabib, given the reasons he mentioned for his retirement.
Do you think we will get to see Khabib back in the octagon anytime soon? Or is he retired for good?
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