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MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: Mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks at the 2nd New Knowledge educational marathon (forum). The New Knowledge Forum runs from 1 to 3 September 2021 as a new school year begins in Russia. Artyom Geodakyan/TASS (Photo by Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images)

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: Mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks at the 2nd New Knowledge educational marathon (forum). The New Knowledge Forum runs from 1 to 3 September 2021 as a new school year begins in Russia. Artyom Geodakyan/TASS (Photo by Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images)
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, has a perfect professional MMA record of 29-0. Despite that, some fighters and UFC pundits have always questioned his legacy, as they believe he retired early. One of the recent MMA fighters to join this bracket is an ex-UFC champion, Demetrious Johnson.
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In his recent interview with Ariel Helwani, ‘Mighty Mouse’ stated that the longer a fighter competes, the greater the likelihood that he will lose. However, according to him, ‘The Eagle’ left the sport early. Therefore, he has a flawless record. Otherwise, the case would have been different if he stayed.
“I think, the more time you spend in this sport, your chances (of losing) get higher, for you getting knocked out or anything like that. You know, Khabib got out unscathed, 29-0? If Khabib continued to keep on fighting, he would have lost one of these, he would have lost,” DJ said.
However, DJ’s comments about the Russian star didn’t sit well with his supporters. And many Nurmagomedov fans criticized ‘Mighty Mouse’ in the comments section of a Facebook post.
A fan wrote, “Against who? He destroyed all the top LW prospects. There would always be “just one more.”
“Every opponent he fought also predicted that he will lose….. but they couldn’t even win a round lol,” another fan wrote.
“Everyone talks until they are in the ring with the king himself,” one fan commented.
One fan reminded DJ of Nurmagomedov’s triumph over UFC superstar Conor McGregor. He also penned his famous line, “He smashed your boy, that’s what counts. Trash talker got trashed. That will be remembered forever.”
“When he was still in the game nobody say that and after he retired everybody talk sh*t,” a fan commented.
Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov retire?
‘The Eagle’ last competed in 2020 at UFC 254. He defended his lightweight title against a top contender, Justin Gaethje. He defeated ‘The Highlight’ via submission in the second round and improved his record to 29-0.

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES SEPTEMBER 7, 2019: UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at a news conference after defending his title in a bout against interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier at the UFC 242 mixed martial arts tournament. Valery Sharifulin/TASS (Photo by Valery SharifulinTASS via Getty Images)
Following this victory, the Russian-born mauler announced his retirement. The former UFC champion trained MMA all his life under his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
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Abdulmanap was in the corner for most of his UFC fights. Unfortunately, a few months before UFC 254, the legendary coach Abdulmanap passed away. His demise had a heavy toll on ‘The Eagle’ and he couldn’t fill this void.
Therefore, he decided to retire from professional fighting and promised his mother he won’t compete without his father next to him.
What are your thoughts on Nurmagomedov’s retirement? What do you guys think about DJ’s words for Nurmagomedov? Let us know in the comments below.
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