Khabib Nurmagomedov Doubles Down on UFC Retirement: “I Have No Competitive Interest”

Khabib Nurmagomedov at the Synergy Global Foru in 2019. Photo by Kommersant Photo Agency/Shutterstock

The world of UFC is filled with fighters who grandiosely announced their retirement from sport just to change their mind several months later. However, still-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t intend to go down this road.

Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 to defend his belt in late October and then shocked the MMA world by saying that this will be his last fight. Led by past experience, many people have labeled his retiree status as temporary, but the Dagestan fighter seems determined to stay true to his word.

During a recent chat with a group of young people, Nurmagomedov doubled down on the retirement statement and said that he has no interest to compete anymore.

“I have no competitive interest,” said Nurmagomedov according to RT Sport, before laying out plans for his future.

“Next year I will graduate,” he added. “I’d like to (build on) my thesis, do a masters course, dedicate more time to studying. I’ve bought sheep, I tend to my farm. I’d like to develop in this field a little.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov, who finished his career with a 29-0 record, decided to retire following his father’s death earlier this year. According to Nurmagomedov, he promised his mother that he wouldn’t fight anymore and intends to honor that promise.

Since retiring, Nurmagomedov ventured into several businesses. He recently launched his own mobile network, Eagle Mobile by Khabib, while also doing online coaching courses.