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January 27, 2022, MIAMI, FL, Miami, Florida, United States: MIAMI, FL- JANUARY 27: Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks with the press during the Eagle FC 44 – Spong vs Kharitonov event at FLX Cast Arena on January 27, 2022 in MIAMI, FL, United States. MIAMI, FL United States – ZUMAp175 20220127_zsa_p175_041 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
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via Imago
January 27, 2022, MIAMI, FL, Miami, Florida, United States: MIAMI, FL- JANUARY 27: Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks with the press during the Eagle FC 44 – Spong vs Kharitonov event at FLX Cast Arena on January 27, 2022 in MIAMI, FL, United States. MIAMI, FL United States – ZUMAp175 20220127_zsa_p175_041 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, has shocked the world by announcing his retirement from coaching. In a recent Instagram post written in Russian, Nurmagomedov confirmed that he was hanging up his gloves for good.
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Javier Mendez, head coach at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, confirmed the news. He did so by saying that Nurmagomedov had decided to call it quits.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 05: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia poses for the media during the UFC 242 Ultimate Media Day at the Yas Hotel on September 5, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Mendez and Nurmagomedov had a successful partnership, with the coach guiding the fighter to the UFC title. Moreover, he was then helping Islam Makhachev claim the belt too. It seems that Nurmagomedov is leaving the sport at the top of his game, just like he did as a fighter.
The Coach and the Champion: The Surprising Story of Khabib Nurmagomedov Retiring
According to Coach Javier Mendez, Nurmagomedov’s decision to retire from coaching is all about family. Mendez reveals that the former UFC champion has been away from his wife and children for far too long. Moreover, he’s ready to finally be able to spend some quality time with them.
He said, “He just doesn’t want to miss being a father. He talked to me about three weeks ago and told me of his plan and said he planned to talk to the team and inform them of his decision.”
“He’s doing this for the right reasons. He’s a family man, and he simply wants to spend more time with his family,” he further added.
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via Getty
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)
Will ‘The Eagle’ be missed? Coach Javier Mendez says absolutely. But will his departure negatively impact the team? Only time will tell. However, Mendez has faith in the team, citing his excellent coaching skills and the team’s readiness to carry on his legacy.
Dive Deeper – Retired Khabib Nurmagomedov Names the Fighter That Makes Him “Go for a 10km Run” & Make UFC Return
Khabib Credits Dad for Coaching Success: Coach Mendez explains
‘The Eagle’s departure from the sport would be a huge loss, according to Coach Javier Mendez. Not only was the Dagestani a skilled fighter, but he was also an excellent coach who knew how to break down fights and communicate with his team. In fact, his training sessions were known for their intensity, as he would grapple with his fighters to help them improve.
He said, “Khabib learned so much from his father and from me and some of the other great coaches he worked with, and his guys have learned so much from him.”
“He instilled the things he learned from his father in the new generation and you can see the impact.”
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In conclusion, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement from coaching has come as a surprise to many in the sport. While his departure will be a significant loss given his skills as a coach and fighter, Mendez believes that the team is ready to carry on his legacy and continue their success.
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Only time will tell how his retirement will impact the team and the sport as a whole.
Watch this story:- 5 Times Khabib Nurmagomedov Absolutely Destroyed Conor McGregor at His Own Game of Trash-Talk
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