"The eagle will always soar in the sky": Nurmagomedov officially retired from the UFC

"I hope you understand me"

Russian MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov officially retired and resigned as a champion in the lightweight category.

This was announced by UFC President Dana White.

“29 wins, zero defeats.

He is 100% officially retired.

It was incredible to watch you work.

Thanks for all.

Whatever you decide to do next, enjoy, my friend, ”White wrote on Twitter.

A post with footage of Nurmagomedov's last fight and the caption “he came undefeated, he left undefeated” also appeared on the official account of the Absolute Fighting Championship on Instagram.

In turn, the fighter thanked the organization for the opportunity to prove himself and turned to his team and fans.

“Dana, I will never forget how you treated me, my father remembered it, and my sons will remember you.

Today there was a real conversation of real men.

Also thanks to my team, sparring partners and fans.

I hope you understand me and accept my decision, ”said Khabib.

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Publication from Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov)

Nurmagomedov's last fight took place on October 24, 2020 as part of the UFC 254 tournament. Then he defeated American Justin Gaji with a choke hold and defended the championship belt for the third time.

Immediately after the end of the fight, the Russian announced his intention to retire from the sport.

According to him, he came to this decision after the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

Over the next few months, there were rumors that the athlete could still return to the octagon to try to bring his number of victories to 30. It was about a rematch with Conor McGregor or a meeting with former welterweight and middleweight belt holder Georges Saint-Pierre ...

Nurmagomedov himself was in no hurry to refute these assumptions, although he repeatedly stated that he decided to focus on business, developing his own promotion and helping other fighters.

However, a few days ago, he published a post in which he admitted that his professional career seemed like a prison to him.

He then posted a photo with former UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, in which some media and fans saw a hint of a return to the sport.

But later it turned out that the Russian met with White again and announced his retirement.

Manager Ali Abdel-Aziz admired the relationship between the head of the promotion and the fighter.

“I've never seen such a relationship between a fighter and a promoter.

They never argued, never quarreled, never complained about each other.

Exceptionally upscale relationship.

It's a little sad that my brother is retiring from the sport, but the Eagle will always soar in the sky.

The greatest fighter on the planet - his legacy will be preserved, ”Abdel-Aziz said.

"The whole world supports you"

The opinions of Nurmagomedov's relatives and friends about his retirement from the sport were divided.

His uncle Nurmagomed Nurmagomedov admitted that he always opposed.

In his opinion, the nephew was too hasty with the decision.

“I haven't spoken to him yet.

I think the question is not about numbers.

30 wins, not 30 - doesn't matter.

I think he ended his career early.

For two more years it was possible to remain in sports.

I have a lot of thoughts about what this is connected with.

Maybe because of his father, maybe not, "- quotes Nurmagomedov" Sport-Express ".

And a close friend of the fighter's family, commentator Ramazan Rabadanov, said that this decision did not come as a surprise.

He noted that Khabib will be able to realize himself and not in sports and even surpass White's success in the promotional business.

“He has a large region that wants to do this business.

The guys there are more diligent and poorer, and America is already rich.

Very soon, people's interest will shift to Nurmagomedov's competitions.

Khabib suddenly came to adulthood.

Many people, even at the age of 60, can envy his independence - he very quickly went this way.

It is still unknown where he will stop, "- quotes Rabadanov's words" Championship ".

At the same time, not everyone is sure that the athlete has put an end to his professional career.

Famous promoter Kamil Gadzhiev suggested that Nurmagomedov and White would sit down at the negotiating table and the head of the UFC would be able to persuade the Russian to return to the octagon.

“I admit that Khabib can return to MMA - he will take it one fine moment and want to experience these emotions again.

But from the point of view of common sense, this is not worth doing, Khabib got his place in the history of world MMA once and for all.

And preparation for the fight takes quite a lot of time, ”Hajiyev told TASS.

Colleagues also paid tribute to the UFC lightweight champion.

Max Holloway congratulated him on his retirement and promised to visit Dagestan, Tony Ferguson expressed hope for a new meeting.

And American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) teammate, ex-UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier noted his contribution to mixed martial arts.

“Brother, you are the best, and the whole world supports you.

You are a real man, Khabib.

You changed our hall and helped San Jose and Dagestan become one.

Your fighting career is just a small part of the impact you will have on the sport and the world at large.

It's also a lot of fun on this side, ”joked Cormier.

As for the fate of the championship belt, now Charles Oliveira and Mike Chandler will fight for it.

The fight will take place on May 15 at UFC 262. It is interesting that it was the American who recently tried to challenge Nurmagomedov again, expressing confidence that he would be able to defeat him.

At the same time, Abdel-Aziz was dissatisfied with the choice of the promotion.

“Gajee deserves a title fight more than all those bags,” the manager said.