Khabib Nurmagomedov finally convinced UFC president Dana White that his fighting career is over.
Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) announced for the first time that he was retiring from MMA competitions after defending the lightweight title over Justin Gaethje last October at UFC 254. Citing the consequences of his father’s death and coach, Abdulmanap, also as a promise to his mother, “The Eagle” declared that it was fulfilled.
The announcement did not convince everyone, however. White insisted that Nurmagomedov should continue to fight and, in the months that followed, made his proposal in meetings, through the media and more. In the end, however, it was no use.
White went to social media on Thursday and, after what appears to be another meeting with Nurmagomedov, said that the undefeated Dagestan is “officially retired”.
White shared the news in a caption posted next to a photo with Nurmagomedov (via Twitter):
29-0 then.
He’s officially retired. It was amazing to see you work @TeamKhabib thanks for EVERYTHING and enjoy what’s next my friend. pic.twitter.com/QeoSP12zw2
– danawhite (@danawhite) March 19, 2021
29-0 then.
He’s officially retired. It was amazing to see you work @TeamKhabib thanks for EVERYTHING and enjoy what’s next my friend.
In his own Instagram post, Nurmagomedov thanked the UFC and said that “a real conversation between real men” took place between him and White.
Khabib retires undefeated with 29-0 in his MMA career, which includes 13 fights in the UFC. His race for perfection includes notable victories over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Rafael dos Anjos, Edson Barboza and Al Iaquinta, which he defeated to claim the vacant title in April 2018 at UFC 223.
Shortly after White’s announcement, MMA Junkie confirmed that the UFC will continue to fight for the lightweight title between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira, who will headline UFC 262 on May 15th.