It’s been nearly six years since Khabib Nurmagomedov’s final UFC appearance.
“The Eagle” walked away on top like few others, reigning Lightweight champion and undefeated after 29 professional bouts. Despite his clear intention to retire, UFC CEO Dana White made multiple offers for another bout and waited roughly six months to formally vacate the 155-pound title. In a recent interview, White offered an interesting explanation to Khabib’s retirement and his inability to lure him back to the Octagon:
too much money!
On Wednesday, Nurmagomedov publicly denied this explanation on social media.
“Sometimes I read these headlines, and I am not a fan of giving my commentaries to every nonsense on the internet, but when Dana talks, the news spread fast,” Khabib wrote on his Instagram story (via Home Of Fight). “I’II say this: I swear by Allah this is an absolute lie. Nobody ever gave me those millions, and it’s also not true that I left the sport because I made a lot of money. The whole world already knows the real truth — I’ve spoken about it many times and there’s no need to repeat it.”
Nurmagomedov’s explanation has never changed. His father — who coached Khabib to greatness from childhood and remains a huge influence on MMA to this day — died from COVID-19 complications in 2020. After his father’s passing, Nurmagomedov promised his mother that he would walk away from MMA for good after unifying the Lightweight title, and he’s lived up to that promise.
Thankfully, “The Eagle” is still involved in MMA, coaching current champion Islam Makhachev as well as the next generation of up-and-coming talent in Dagestan.
