UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke out via RT Sport upon arriving in Dagestan, Russia, after his recent UFC 254 appearance. ‘The Eagle’ released a much-anticipated statement that dived into his decision to retire from active MMA competition. Khabib decided to walk away from the sport following his submission win over Justin Gaethje in the main event.
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Nurmagomedov choked out Gaethje, who had no answer for the relentless pace that the undisputed champion laid out on him. ‘The Highlight’ was outmatched on the feet and on the ground until he was caught in a triangle choke in the second round.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: (R-L) Justin Gaethje kicks Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on October 25, 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Khabib Nurmagomedov symbolically laid down his gloves in the middle of the cage after his emotional title defense. The news of his retirement came as somewhat of a surprise as he was expected to stick around for at least one more fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: “This is the best decision for me to make”
‘The Eagle’ shed some light on the basis of his decision to retire at 32. He is still very much in his prime and he’s only gotten better as of late. Not to mention, his statement via RT sport is a much-needed clarification as he didn’t speak out at the post-fight press conference.
He said, “Everyone reacts differently. Of course, Dana wants me to continue fighting and generate revenue. I can make money myself. I’m at the peak of my career, but I made this decision and I think this is the best time for me to make it. Not everyone can retire at their peak, but I know that in a year, two or five, I’d have to face that decision again.”
He also touched on the importance of leaving the sport as the number one ranked pound-for-pound fighter. Khabib’s final request to the promotion was that come Tuesday morning, he would be ranked above everyone else.
“I did enough in the sport to be considered the best. Today I was ranked as the #1 pound-for-pound fighter, so the mission is accomplished. What else is there to do? Make money? I’ll always be able to do that.”
It seems as though, for the time being, Khabib’s retirement is here to stay. The 29-0 fighter has left the door open on considering a return in the distant future. For now, fans will have to make do with examining the legacy he’s left behind.
