Khabib Nurmagomedov Talks Timeline For Retirement, Believes Remaining Undefeated is “Impossible”

Khabib Nurmagomedov has gone undefeated thus far in his storied MMA career. But, the UFC’s lightweight champ acknowledges that finishing his career without a loss, is a very, very, very tall order.

Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record

Since Nurmagomedov turned professional in 2008, “The Eagle” has done nothing but win in the cage, ring and Octagon. As it stands right now, Nurmagomedov holds a 28-0 record, and when you consider he’s been with the UFC since 2012 that’s a very impressive thing. After all, we’re talking about a fighter who has gone 12-0 competing in the world’s biggest MMA promotion, and Khabib has defeated big name fighters like Conor McGregor, Rafael dos Anjos, and Dustin Poirier (among others).

Khabib’s recent comments about retirement

Well, the now 31-year-old star has said in the past he doesn’t see himself fighting that much longer. While talking to the Arab News recently, Nurmagomedov said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I think a couple of years,” Nurmagomedov said. “Two, three – maximum three. I think maybe two years, in my opinion, because I don’t want to fight all my life because I know it’s very hard. I know a lot of young, hungry guys are coming, and I know to always be undefeated, undisputed, is not almost impossible – I think it’s impossible.

“You can watch in history. If you watch all athletes like soccer, boxing, MMA, everywhere, one day you’re going to lose. You have to know when you need to stop. I think maybe two years.”

“Before, I never thought about this – but right now, it’s like I’m almost there,” Nurmagomedov said. “28-0, and in the next couple of years I’m going to compete because I just (turned) 31. This is not too much for this sport, but for sure I think I’m going to finish (at) 33, 34, it’s going to be done. But right now, I have a couple of years to compete.”

If you’ve followed Khabib intently over the last couple of years, his comments regarding retirement shouldn’t come as a surprise. Especially now, at a time when “The Eagle” is believed to have scored some big paydays. After he competes a couple more times, after say a bout with Tony Ferguson which should be massive, Khabib could be one of the wealthiest fighters in MMA.

The more interesting question here is whether Khabib can close out his career without taking a loss. Hardly any combat sports stars have been able to do so.