In October 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov hung up the gloves inside the octagon. Fans and media considered it a pre-mature decision; however, the Russian stood by it till the end.

Since his retirement, Nurmagomedov has done several interviews where he has clearly stated that he’s done with the sport. The former champ keeps mentioning, “my time is over.” 

Recently, it turns out that ‘The Eagle’ doesn’t believe that just for himself but for fighters from his era as well

Khabib’s opinion on fighters of his division during his era

During an interview, Nurmagomedov was asked about Nate Diaz and Tony Ferguson, who is set to compete on UFC 279 card. ‘The Eagle’ was quick to share his honest opinion on both the fighters. 

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Khabib mentioned the fighters who competed during his prime and how none of them could keep up their position on top till to the present day. 

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“Take any fighter, any fighter who fought when I fought in the UFC when I was in my prime, say from 2015 to 2020 — (none) of them is still up there on top,”

The Russian believes that the downfall is inevitable and no one can maintain the grip on the top of the division forever. 

With that being said, the undefeated champion sees athletes like Ferguson, Diaz, Dustin Poirier, and even Conor McGregor, as fighters who are competing just for financial gain despite their “prime” being over.

He said, “My time is over, same for them. But they still keep fighting. I believe they just fight for money. Neither Diaz nor Ferguson has any champion ambitions.”

“You’re (reporters) all experts and you know none of them will ever be champion of the UFC. Same for Conor, Poirier — their time is over,” Nurmagomedov further added.

Khabib is one of the greatest of all time

Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time. ‘The Eagle’ said goodbye to the sport in 2020 after his fight against, Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. 

Nurmagomedov left the sport with an unblemished record of 29-0, moreover, during the time of his retirement, he had three title defenses under his belt.

UFC 279 sees fighters of Khabib’s era compete

UFC 279, on the other hand, sees a Nate Diaz headliner against Khamzat Chimaev. Tony Ferguson faces Li Jingliang in the co-main event. Both fights will take place in the welterweight division.

This could possibly be Nate Diaz’s final fight in the UFC as his contract with the promotion is coming to an end. Tony Ferguson makes a comeback to the welterweight division after spending almost a decade amongst the lightweights.

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