UFC bantamweight fighter and cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov has revealed why his brother retired from MMA as a whole. Umar Nurmagomedov is also an unbeaten fighter in his division and boasts a record of 15 wins and 0 losses. He has the same technique as his cousin and is well-acquainted with powerful wrestling and grappling skills. He will be facing Raoni Barcelos at UFC Fight Night in January 15th, 2023.

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired as a fighter in 2020, shortly after the death of his father Abdulamanap Nurmagomedov. He then started coaching Russian lightweight Islam Makhachev, won eventually won the lightweight championship under ‘The Eagle’s’ tutelage. But Nurmagomedov has now retired from all aspects of MMA.

Khabib Nurmagomedov was excelling as a coach. But it was rumored that the UFC Hall of Famer was done with MMA because he wanted to cater to other business opportunities and give time to his family. It was a surprise to many fans and personalities in the UFC. His cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov has revealed why ‘The Eagle’ took that decision.

Umar spills the beans on Khabib Nurmagomedov deciding to retire

Umar Nurmagomedov recently appeared in an interview with MMA journalist, Aaron Bronsteter. He has stated that traveling was a big issue for Khabib’s decision to step away from MMA. He said, “I’m not surprised, I always knew and we talked about this.” He added, “We talked, he gave me advice on the fight, cut weight. Everything the same he just stopped, too many flights.”

Umar Nurmagomedov also mentioned that everything is normal and that he will still be able to train with Khabib Nurmagomedov. He said,“I think it will be the same, we will be training together in Dagestan when he will be at home. Nothing’s changed, we’re brothers.”

It seems like there is still hope for Dagestani MMA fighters. Umar mentioned that ‘The Eagle’ wants to spend more time with his family and said, “He will not travel too much and will take care of himself, his family, his mother.” Umar also mentions that Khabib Nurmagomedov will train his teammates and brothers. He just doesn’t want to travel.

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The bantamweight fighter also mentioned that Khabib will still control his training regiment but will not be available during camps. “He will still control me and my brother, some other guys, but not the same (way), he doesn’t want to travel, doesn’t want to come to camps and stay with us for a couple of months,” said Umar Nurmagomedov.

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