Home/UFC

via Imago

via Imago

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Khabib Nurmagomedov the greatest Lightweight of all time. The former UFC champion held a record of 29-0 at the time of his retirement, with 13 of those wins coming in the UFC. However, after three title defenses, Nurmagomedov bid adieu to the sport of MMA following his 2020 clash with Justin Gaethje.

This decision came after the tragic demise of his father, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Nevertheless, ‘The Eagle’s’ cousins and teammates are still active across various promotions, and he is still very much a part of their camps. This involvement also means Khabib has to travel back and forth between the USA and Russia. But which of the two does Khabib prefer?

Khabib Nurmagomedov Praises USA, Loves the Freedom to Walk Around

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov was invited to a public interview hosted by Valuetainment founder Patrick Bet-David. During his time there, Nurmagomedov revealed that Dana White has been approaching him for a possible comeback. Offering a lucrative sum of money. However, according to the Dagestan native, he has no plans to come out of retirement soon.

No amount of money, not even $100 million, can change the fact that he retired due to a promise made to his mother. Nurmagomedov further added that he does not need too much money. He credits his upbringing and Dagestani culture with this perspective, stating that they do not need excessive wealth to remain happy.

Read More: “You want to be Conor?” – After his electric UFC 292 victory, Sean O’Malley hints at a potential boxing crossover with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis while vowing to knock the undefeated boxer

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Apart from praising his homeland, Khabib also highlighted what he loves about his host nation. According to him, fighters in the USA get to enjoy the freedom and independence that he couldn’t find anywhere else. In Khabib’s own words: “Even in Russia, in Dagestan, in the Middle East, in Europe, I cannot go anywhere without people bothering me. But this is the only country. I can wear whatever I want, cover myself, no mask. I go to Starbucks, sit for 1 hour, drink coffee, enjoy my life. I love it.”

Conor McGregor is not the hardest hitter Khabib Nurmagomedov faced in the UFC

During his time in the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov faced some of the top talents in MMA, including some of the most dangerous strikers. This includes the likes of Conor McGregor, Edson Barboza, and Dustin Poirier, all known for their ability to connect with powerful strikes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, according to Nurmagomedov, there is one fighter who, in his opinion, hits the hardest. That person is his last UFC opponent, Justin Gaethje. In the same interview with Patrick Bet-David, ‘The Eagle’ described being hit by Gaethje as being hit by a truck. For those unaware, ‘The Highlight’ faced ‘The Eagle’ at UFC 254. Despite winning the first round, the former NCAA wrestler got choked out in the second.

Watch this story: Conor McGregor Gives a Fired-Up Speech During TUF 31