Khabib Nurmagomedov Comments on Father’s Passing, Fighting Future

Ever since the tragic passing of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father and longtime coach, Abdulmanap, there’s been a lot of talk the star’s career could be winding down. Well, recently the undefeated, lightweight champ opened up about the loss of his father, as well as his future, and it does sound like retirement’s not far off.

Nurmagomedov comments on the loss of his father, and his future

As you surely know, Khabib’s father passed away from complications related to COVID-19 last month. Due to how close Khabib and his father were, and because Abdulmanap was also his coach and mentor, there was widespread discussion about when and if Khabib would fight again. 

His longtime teammate and friend, Daniel Cormier, was unsure about Khabib’s fighting future at the time.

Well, fast forward to today, and Khabib is booked to fight interim champ Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, October 24th. But, questions about Khabib’s retirement continue to make the rounds,

Case in point, while talking to the media recently, Khabib was asked again about his future (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“As far as retirement, I’ve been having lots of different thoughts,” Khabib said. “Right now I’m thinking of my next fight.

We’ll see what happens next. Right now I’m 31, I’ll be 32 in September. That’s a significant age. I’m no longer a rookie.

Looking back at how much time I’ve invested in the sport, it’s fair to say I’m a veteran. I’ve been a professional fighter for 12 years, since 2008. I’ve been in the UFC more than eight years.

If you look back, I’ve had an excellent career.

“Right now I’m motivated to come back, to fight, to keep busy, and I think the best place to do is where I am considered a professional.

Then we’ll see what’s next. This whole year I’ve dedicated to training, my regimen – morning and evening training, diet, all of this helps distract me from everything that’s happening around me.”

And, while reflecting on the loss of his father, the vaunted grappler said this.

“I’m sure everyone in this room lost someone,” Khabib said. “A friend, a neighbor, a cousin, a mother, a father, girlfriend.

Everyone goes through loss, I understand that. But on the other hand it’s very difficult. Some people have strictly a father-son relationship, but my father was very close to me.

We were like friends. He was my father and coach, we were always together. We were very close. Of course I’m sad.

If I tell you with a straight face that it doesn’t affect my training, that’d be a lie. It does affect me, I think about him all the time.

Maybe this pain will put me on another level and make me stronger. Any challenge either breaks you or makes you stronger. We’ll see what it does to me in time.”

Two more fights?

So, Khabib didn’t come out and outright say he’s going to retire right around the corner. But, it certainly sounds like he’s thinking about hanging up the gloves relatively soon.

His father reportedly thought Khabib should retire when he hit the 30-0 mark. If he beats Gaethje, then he’ll be one win away from that awe-inspiring record. 

Nurmagomedov has already proposed a fight with George St-Pierre for next spring. So, if he does beat Gaethje, and if defeats the legendry GSP, it seems really likely Khabib will call it quits.