Khabib Nurmagomedov, the only undefeated UFC champion who retired from his in-ring career two years ago, is now preparing to step away from the sport of mixed martial arts entirely.
Since transitioning away from competition inside the Octagon following a win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, Nurmagomedov has remained active in the sport, becoming a successful coach and heading his own Eagle FC fight promotion.
However, according to reports, the former lightweight champion has decided to step away from his responsibilities within MMA in order to pursue business opportunities away from combat sports.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to step away from MMA in its entirety to focus on his family
Following several reports coming out of his native Russia, Nurmagomedov seemingly confirmed the news to his 34million Instagram followers by sharing a post from an Instagram page named za Khabiba with the following caption.
‘Khabib is leaving the MMA industry. It about coaching and everything else related to MMA. The reason is Khabib’s desire to devote more time to his family’.
Nurmagomedov followed this by posting a photo to his Instagram of a group of his teammates whilst alluding to his ‘decision’ in the post’s caption.
The 34-year-old became the only UFC champion to retire undefeated after submitting Justin Gaethje in 2020
‘Concluding the year.’ The former UFC Lightweight Champion wrote on Instagram.
‘The year certainly turned out to be a very busy and successful. Take care of yourself brothers. I hope my decision is only for the best, a big hug to you all. Thank you, you were a big reason for my success in sports.’
After officially hanging up his gloves in 2021 despite the efforts of UFC president Dana White, Nurmagomedov embarked on a hugely successful career as a coach, serving as his protege Islam Makhachev’s cornerman as the 31-year-old capped off his ascent up the 155lbs rankings by capturing the vacant lightweight belt in October.
Makhachev is scheduled to make the first defence of his UFC gold in a superfight against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in February, but it is not yet known whether Nurmagomedov will once again be in his longtime friend a training partner’s corner.
Nurmagomedov has since embarked on a successful career as a coach, serving in Islam Makhachev’s corner in his ascent to UFC gold
The former UFC champion also moved into the buisness side of combat sports heading his own Eagle FC promotion
The 34-year-old’s decision to step away from the sport also raises questions regarding the future of Eagle FC.
The fledgling promotion made waves in the MMA world after signing former UFC contender Kevin Lee, offering social media sensation Jake Paul a fight in the promotion and holding back-to-back events in the US last year.
However since May of last year the promotion has returned to holding its events exclusively in Russia with its ongoing status stateside unknown.
