Despite his retirement, former UFC heavyweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov does not disappear from the media space, continuing to be one of the most popular fighters both in Russia and abroad.
Considering that he made the decision to retire from the sport, without bringing his triumphant streak to 30 victories, many still expect him to return to the octagon.
To some extent, such hope was given to the fans by his coach Javier Mendes, who suggested that the athlete was thinking about resuming his career.
At that time, the specialist expressed doubt that he would dare to break his promise to his mother.
Nurmagomedov himself partly confirmed Mendes' words.
He admitted that he really misses the competition and competitive activity, and also stated that he does not feel satisfaction from the end of his career.
At the same time, the fighter again stressed that he did not plan to change his decision.
“Time will tell if I did the right thing or not.
Now we can talk about high-profile battles, about chances ... It's endless.
There will always be contenders and champions, younger and hungrier ... This must be treated with understanding ... The richest man is self-sufficient ... In sports, I climbed to the top, but I did not feel the buzz as such ... the return that I expected ", - admitted Nurmagomedov in an interview with the Youtube channel UFC Russia.
Interestingly, a few days ago, his decision to leave the sport at the peak of his career was supported by another veteran of MMA Fedor Emelianenko.
“Many believe that Khabib could still do a lot, remain a champion, but he chose his own path, so you can only respect his decision,” Emelianenko quotes the Championship with reference to MMAJunkie.
Nurmagomedov's last fight took place at the end of October 2020.
After defeating American Justin Gaethje, he announced his decision to retire from the sport.
Even though it's been eight months since that moment, UFC President Dana White is still pushing for his return.
"A couple of weeks ago ... my manager Ali Abdel-Aziz told me that Dana called him and asked:" Why does Khabib never ask how much money I will offer him? "
I answered him: "Are you asking me?" ... I'm not interested in this anymore ... I made a decision, but White does not give up.
Not only he, but the entire UFC office in Las Vegas, thinks that I am increasing my worth, ”Nurmagomedov said.
Meanwhile, the ex-athlete has a really busy schedule.
He is engaged in the development of his own projects, runs the business, while not forgetting to keep himself in shape.
In addition, he helps to prepare for the upcoming fights and active fighters of the promotion, including Islam Makhachev, who is considered one of the most promising representatives of the lightweight division.
According to Nurmagomedov, in order to receive the title, a compatriot needs to be more active - both in relations with the UFC leadership and in working with the media.
“We need to stay active.
You just say, "Give me any fighter."
Go out against everyone and finish ahead of schedule.
And when the time comes, you will already be fighting for the belt.
You have seven wins in a row.
If you win, there will be eight, and if you win one more fight by the end of the year, there will be nine.
And people will force the UFC to give you a title fight, ”advised Nurmagomedov.
He gave similar advice to Peter Jan, who lost the championship in the bantamweight division due to an illegal trick in a duel with Aljemein Sterling.
“He needs to train and stay hungry, the way he was to the waist, so that nothing would distract him.
He has to plow and plow.
I think this year he will be given a fight.
We hope he gets revenge.
He deserves it, ”Nurmagomedov explained.
As for Makhachev, the fighters have already arrived in San Francisco for the final stage of training.
His fight against Brazilian Thiago Moises will be the highlight of the evening at UFC Vegas 31, slated for July 17th.
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And on July 11, the former rivals of Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, will meet for the third time.
In the first fight, the victory remained with the Irishman, in the second - with the American.
According to Khabib, the ex-contender for the championship belt can again win the third fight.
At the same time, he suggested that in the near future more Russians will claim the title.
“I doubt that the two Russians will challenge the title, but I think they will face each other in the candidate fights.
Because these are already tough guys who have gained experience and are ready for big challenges.
I think these guys will go far ... We have a good core in this weight.
There are also Brazilians ... and the Americans are good - one might say that such a world war is being planned ... But our division has always been the most interesting, complex and stellar.
I think it will be fun at the end of the year, ”suggested Nurmagomedov.
After leaving the Octagon, the UFC champion has more time to spend with his family.
He admitted that he tries to be with children as often as possible and take an active part in their upbringing.
“Children need to be educated, given time, show a personal example, especially in our time ... Otherwise, they become people who have already established themselves in their opinion ... The daughter is only now beginning to understand who I am, and the younger ones do not particularly fumble ... And it’s good that they didn’t know any of this before.
When they grow up, then they will read about me like a history textbook.
They will get to know dad in a new way, ”added Nurmagomedov.