‘Appreciate Your Parents’-Khabib Nurmagomedov Posts Thoughtful Message on Instagram

UFC lightweight champion ‘The Eagle’ Khabib Nurmagomedov took to Instagram recently to post a thoughtful message. Nurmagomedov announced retirement after successfully defending his throne at UFC 254 against Justin Gaethje. He had endured a difficult 2020 as family issues loomed large for him.

Nurmagomedov’s father Abdulmanap passed away, falling victim to coronavirus. The loss of his biggest mentor and supporter deeply affected the champion, and this was the main decision behind his retirement. Recently, the undefeated Dagestani posted a throwback video of his father.

It was an emotional video, to say the least, as Abdulmanap was an important figure of Nurmagomedov’s camp. His presence was enough to motivate ‘The Eagle’. He also acted as a coaching figure for his son, as Khabib always took his father’s advice before his fights.

But, the crazy year of 2020 didn’t go easy on Nurmagomedov as well. Many predicted the Russian champion will never be the same again as it was too big a loss for him to endure. That turned out to be the case too, as fans were deprived of seeing him reach his 30-0 goal.

Will Khabib Nurmagomedov fight again?

Abdulmanap’s dream was to see his son reach 30-o and retire undefeated. Nurmagomedov is currently 29-0. So, he might return to fulfill his father’s last wish. It would be iconic and the biggest tribute from the Russian for his late father.

Everybody wants to fight him as well. Michael Chandler recently called the Dagestani out in dramatic fashion after his emphatic UFC debut and vowed to make it 29 and Chandler on the record books.

A rematch with Conor McGregor is off the cards for now after the Irishman’s loss against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. Abdulmanap always said that a bout between his son and legendary Canadian superstar Georges St-Pierre was his dream fight. But, ‘Rush’ has no plans to come back to the Octagon, and that too not at the 155 lbs division.

There are rising stars like Charles Oliveira and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler there. But right now, those options are just not enticing enough to lure Nurmagomedov back out of retirement. He hasn’t relinquished his belt yet.

What did you make of Nurmagomedov’s message? Will ever fight again in the UFC?