“I’m Just Super Happy for Khabib to Realize and Recognize That”: Former Double Champ Backs Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Retirement Decision

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s worldwide followers were devastated by the news of his retirement. The former lightweight champion recently announced his retirement from coaching to devote more time to his family. His supporters were disappointed to learn that one of the greatest fighters in history has no plans to return to the Octagon. Another depressing piece of news for them is his resignation from coaching. Henry Cejudo, a former double champion, has a different perspective on the situation. He sees the brighter side of Nurmagomedov’s retirement!

Khabib Nurmagomedov; retiring from coaching

On his YouTube channel, Cejudo said that his respect for ‘The Eagle’ increased when he heard about his decision. He said “I actually respect Khabib more now because I get it, and I know the amount of travel and how he gets tugged and pulled, and I don’t think people really understand the level of where he’s at…Watching my daughter grow and not having the ability to see her walk or start talking, you just know where your times goes.” Being a fellow fighter, the former double champion stated how he can easily empathize with Nurmagomedov’s decision.

In the further conversation, Cejudo congratulated him and added “I’m just super happy for Khabib to really recognize and realize that because at the end of the day, he’s accomplished more than what the average Joe would ever do… From the bottom of my heart, Khabib, I understand you, I believe you, and congratulations on your new endeavors because family is everything”.

Cejudo’s remarks made it quite evident how crucial it is for people to put their personal lives first. It’s challenging for fighters to concentrate on their families and kids because of the nature of the sport. Furthermore, Cejudo thinks Nurmagomedov made a wise choice by prioritizing his family over his MMA career.

Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254

 With a 29-0 undefeated record, Nurmagomedov retired as the lightweight champion of the UFC. At UFC 254, he defeated interim champion Justin Gaethje by submission in the second round in his last championship defense. In UFC 254, Khabib made an emotional announcement about his retirement.

Following his victory over ‘The Highlight’, Nurmagomedov had an emotional breakdown in the octagon. He cried, remembering his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The Eagle left his gloves in the middle of the octagon and declared that this was his final fight.

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The Eagle is unquestionably among the greatest fighters of all time, and his retirement shocked everyone. However, without his father’s direction and coaching, the lightweight champion was unable to continue his fighting career. Nurmagomedov’s father passed away suddenly on July 3, 2020 from complications caused by coronavirus infection. Both the audience and the other MMA fighters respected his choice at that time. They still hold the same regard for the greatest lightweight fighter of all time, even if he is about to retire from coaching.

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