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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia stands in his corner prior to his lightweight title bout against Justin Gaethje 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)

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia stands in his corner prior to his lightweight title bout against Justin Gaethje 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 stunned everyone when he declared his sudden retirement at UFC 254. Ever since then, there have been rumblings about the lightweight kingpin’s return for one last fight. His long time coach Javier Mendez has made it clear that despite the retirement, the Russian isn’t done with MMA.
Khabib Nurmagomedov outclassed Justin Gaethje in the UFC 254 headliner. After submitting Gaethje via a triangle choke, Khabib removed the tape from his gloves and left them inside the Octagon.
The decision came as a shock to everyone as there were heavy discussions on what would be next for Khabib if he comes out on top.
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Almost no one expected retirement from the undefeated lightweight champion. However, now that he has hung his gloves up, his coach Javier Mendez expects him to be more involved in helping upcoming fighters.
ALSO READ- Dana White Says Khabib Nurmagomedov Considering 30-0- Will Talk to His Mother

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia reacts after his submission victory over Justin Gaethje 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)
Coach Javier Mendez expects Khabib Nurmagomedov to help him with the mental aspects of fighting
“As a fighter, it could a hundred percent be it, but not as a coach. He promised me that he would help me coach his guys together.
“When Eagles team MMA or anybody of my guys wants his help and he wants to help, he’s gonna be in the corner with me,” Coach Javier Mendez said while talking to Submission Radio.
“So, he’s not done with MMA. Now it’s gonna be the mind game that he is gonna be playing with me against other opponents with our fighters. That’s the arena we are headed into now,” he added.
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After his retirement, ‘The Eagle’ is also involved in tons of philanthropic work. He has been opening gyms in different parts of the world. This way he is helping the underprivileged kids get access to facilities that they otherwise wouldn’t have had. He is also fulfilling the dreams of his father, who passed away earlier this year.
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As far as him fighting inside the Octagon is concerned, the doors for that don’t seem to be fully closed just yet. UFC President Dana White recently said that Khabib was very emotional following the win over Gaethje. Therefore, he expects one of his biggest stars to be back for one more outing.
READ MORE- “I Think He’s Not Going To Retire”- Dana White Stuns Everyone With Khabib Nurmagomedov News
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