KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has revealed plans for his second retirement from mixed martial arts.
The undefeated Russian emotionally brought the curtain down on his fighting career in October 2020 following his submission victory over Justin Gaethje.
Nurmagomedov called time on his days as a mixed martial artist following the passing of his father and long-time coach, Abdulmanap.
‘The Eagle’ has turned his hand to coaching since his retirement and has taken to it like a duck to water.
Nurmagomedov has overseen his cousin Umar’s surge to UFC bantamweight contention, as well as other cousin Usman’s rise to PFL lightweight glory.
He’s also been an integral figure in long-time friend Islam Makhachev’s rise to UFC lightweight champion and subsequent dominant reign.
KHAB CALLED
Makhachev retirement date revealed by Coach Khabib days before UFC 322
Nurmagomedov will be in the corner for Makhachev’s historic UFC 322 showdown with Jack Della Maddalena early on Sunday morning, in which he’ll challenge for the welterweight throne.
The 37-year-old has loved every minute of his coaching journey, which he plans to bring the curtain down on once Makhachev, Umar and Usman call it a day.
Speaking at a recent event at the Miftaah Institute in Chicago, he said: “My priorities are Usman, Umar and Islam.
“These guys are my main priority, and when they’re finished, I’m going to finish too.”
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
Nurmagomedov’s emotional retirement from fighting scuppered a potential blockbuster rematch with Conor McGregor, whom the Dagestani submitted in the biggest fight in MMA history in October 2018.
McGregor, 37, has repeatedly accused his old foe of running with his retirement in a myriad of hate-filled rants.
But Nurmagomedov wishes nothing but the best for the Irishman, who is set to make his own cage comeback at the White House next year.
During a recent Q&A event in New York, Nurmagomedov said: “I don’t wanna mention his name.
“This is punishment… The most beautiful part of this is Allah always give the chance to come back.
“We always have in this world the chance to come back, and this is the most beautiful thing.
“It doesn’t matter how you’ve been, Allah is gonna give you a chance always to come back. I think he has a chance.”
