‘At Least Not Now’ – Disclosing a Pending Conversation With Mother, Khabib Nurmagomedov Talks About Retirement U-Turns

Khabib Nurmagomedov holds a prestigious record of retiring undefeated from the UFC. ‘The Eagle’ left his gloves in the cage at UFC 254 after submitting Justin Gaethje. Despite speculations, Nurmagomedov stayed true to his word and showed no intention of returning.

His fighting days may be behind him, but Nurmagomedov is still in the sport as a coach. His teammate, Islam Makhachev prepares to fight for the Lightweight belt. ‘The Eagle’ sat down for an interview, where opened up about his retirement, his relationship with his mother, and his predictions for UFC 280.

Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about his comeback and his family

One question that people always ask ‘The Eagle’ since retiring is about his potential return. When asked if he hears it less these days, Nurmagomedov responded in the negative. He said that whenever something happens in the UFC lightweight division, everyone asks him about it. ‘The Eagle‘ said that people message him asking if he watched the fight, and when he would return.

“I get asked a lot if I watched the fights. I understand their sentiments. I retired at my peak as a champion.” He also added that other fighters have retired and returned after raising their price tag. However, he clarified that his retirement was due to personal reasons and not aimed at monetary gains.

“You have to take into account why I left. I had personal reasons for doing so, having to do with my family, my father…It was a concrete decision. I see no way how it can change. At least not now.”

When asked if he talked to his mother about his retirement speech, ‘The Eagle’ responded that they never did. He explained that he never had a conversation with his mother about his career or his comeback.

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Nurmagomedov revealed that his mother only saw glimpses of his previous fights. But, watched the whole last fight.

“She watched my last fight in full. She caught glimpses of my other fights. She watched the last fight but we never really discussed it. There were moments that we discussed from other fights. Maybe it was just such an emotional moment that we didn’t discuss it.”

Nurmagomedov said that perhaps because it was such an emotional moment, it did not warrant a conversation.

‘The Eagle’ on why Islam Makhachev will win at UFC 280

Nurmagomedov said that he expects Makhachev to get his hand raised in Abu Dhabi. According to him, Makhachev can best Oliveira simply because he is more skilled than the latter. He added that Makhachev’s experience as an amateur fighter will also go a long way in turning the tides in his favor.

‘The Eagle’ said that Makhachev is at his peak as an athlete. He added that this is the time when an athlete hits his physical and mental prime. According to him, both states exist in synergy. He acknowledged that Oliveira poses dangers in certain areas but maintained that Makhachev is overall the better fighter.

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What do you make of Khabib’s comments? Do you think Makhachev will win? Or will Oliveria get his title back? Could a win for Oliveria prompt Nurmagomedov to return? Let us know in the comments below.