“It Was Conor…”: 3 Years After His Retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coach Confesses Real Reason Behind Ex-UFC Champ’s Decision to Not Return Despite Multiple USADA Tests

UFC fans were left disheartened after Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement in 2020 after his father passed away. Having retired without a defeat, the promotion later ushered him into the Hall of Fame. However, in a recent interview, ‘The Eagle’s former coach Javier Mendez claimed that the Hall of Famer was considering a return in 2021.

Khabib Nurmagomedov had one of the most incredible MMA careers of all time. He retired, undefeated in 29 fights, and dominated some of the best fighters the UFC had to offer. Nurmagomedov’s success saw many fighters from Dagestan entering Dana White‘s promotion, trying to replicate ‘The Eagle’s success. Now,  it seems, three years after his retirement, MMA fans will finally get to know the real reason behind his complete departure from the Octagon. And his former coach is the one laying it out before the world.

Khabib Nurmagomedov considered a UFC return

As per ‘Calfkicker’, Javier Mendez mentioned that Nurmagomedov was still included in the USADA’s testing pool after he officially retired on March 18, 2021. ‘The Eagle’ last fought against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 and won the fight, following which he announced that it was going to be his last fight. However, Dana White hoped that the Dagestani would return to the Octagon. Mendez said, “After Khabib retired, they [USADA] were still testing them. Dana White didn’t remove Khabib from the testing pool after he retired because he still hoped Khabib will fight again.”

On the flip side, Khabib Nurmagomedov was done getting tested for a considerable period since the UFC wanted to get him back to fight again. Mendez added, “He was roughly tested for about eight months before he had enough. The UFC were trying to get him to come back, and he came so close.”

‘The Eagle’ wanted to return for something “spectacular”

Having dominated most of the popular fighters in the division, Nurmagomedov wanted to return for a fight that excited him. He looked at UFC 257 and wanted to fight any of the lightweights on that card if they showcased an exceptional performance in that event. The card included fighters like Dustin Poirier, Dan Hooker, Conor McGregor, and Michael Chandler, but none of them excited him. Javier Mendez said, “He said, ‘If someone showed me something spectacular, then maybe I’ll come back.’ It was Conor vs Poirier that night, but it did not get Khabib excited.”

Mendez stated that his return never happened, even though the UFC was adamant about getting him back. He added, “He said if something excited him on that card, then maybe he’d consider it. But it never happened. The UFC was pushing him, but nothing excited him, so it was a no go.”

READ MORE: 1 Year After Claiming Mike Tyson Upset Him, Khabib Nurmagomedov Joins Henry Cejudo in Sharing Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for Boxing Legend

Some people believe that Khabib Nurmagomedov retired a little too early, with just three title defenses. However, his performances inside the cage were second to none. ‘The Eagle’ retired from all aspects of MMA earlier this year. He still remains one of the greatest fighters to have ever graced the Octagon.

What are your thoughts on Javier Mendez’s comments? Let us know in the comments down below.

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