“I Still Want to Compete”: Khabib Gets Emotional as Islam Makhachev’s Win Over Dustin Poirier Reignites Competitive Spirit Despite Retirement

Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s retirement in 2020 while he was still in his prime is one of the biggest what-ifs in MMA history. Considered pre-mature by many, ‘The Eagle’s retirement following a promise he made his mother after his father’s death has undoubtedly adversely affected his legacy.

While he is still among the greatest fighters to ever strap up the fingerless gloves, a few more wins would have gone a long way toward making a stronger case that he is the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. And while the Dagestani has expressed contentment at his decision to call it quits, it seems he is having second thoughts about his retirement.

Khabib Nurmagomedov want to compete again

Islam Makhachev has succeeded Khabib Nurmagomedov as the dominant Dagestani champion of the UFC. Having begun their martial arts journey under Khabib’s combat sambo coach father, Abdulmanap, both men’s MMA careers share remarkably similar trajectories. And one reason behind this congruence is the close bond both men share. Khabib, of course, is Makhachev’s mentor, friend, and sometimes coach, and was in the latter’s corner earlier this month to help the reigning champ defend his title against the legendary Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.

And seeing the thrilling, action-packed contest between Poirier and Makhachev, which went to the final round before the champ managed to catch ‘Diamond’ in a D’Arce choke, seems to have reignited ‘The Eagle’s competitive spirit. In a recent post on his Instagram account, Khabib talked about how being so close to the action, and training the younger fighters has made him compete once again.

“Over time, the training schedule has changed))), first I come and share knowledge, but in the end I still want to compete with the young ones))),” he captioned the post. However, some think that Khabib has rediscovered his love for fighting as he faces serious tax evasion charges in his homeland.

‘The Eagle’ reportedly owes $3.3 million to Russian tax authorities

After his retirement at UFC 254 four years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov concentrated on business and charity. The GOAT contender has founded various businesses, from his (now largely defunct) ‘Eagle FC’, to his cell phone network: ‘Eagle Mobile’, to the health snack brand ‘Fitroo’. In addition, because of his star power and reputation for integrity and honesty, he sits on the board of many other companies.

However, this reputation took a sharp hit recently. According to reports, Khabib allegedly owes around 600 million rubles (or $3.3 million) in taxes to the Russian Federal Tax Service. As a preliminary step,  bank accounts related to some of Khabib’s businesses and even charitable ventures have been blocked. While ‘The Eagle’ has not addressed the matter himself, a statement from his team has claimed that the information was ‘inaccurate’. Since then, the Dagestani has reportedly acquired Emirati nationality. Except for that, there have not been any real updates on the topic, but these financial troubles have reignited the hopes of seeing Nurmagomedov back in the octagon.

If his troubles worsen, and the former champ is indeed asked to pay hundreds of millions of rubles, one of the easiest ways for him to come up with the money would be to return to the UFC. Still one of the biggest superstars in the promotion, and having been part of the historic UFC 229, the most successful MMA event in the history of the sport opposite Conor McGregor, Khabib has tens (possibly even hundreds) of millions of dollars on the table, if he chooses to resume his MMA career.