Khabib Nurmagomedov is standing his ground. No matter how many times the Ultimate Fighting Championship reaches out, he’s not stepping back into the Octagon.
Curiously, it was his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who got the call. The UFC was eyeing a grand return for Khabib at UFC 300, slated for April 13. But Khabib? He’s made it crystal clear to Abdelaziz: no more fight talk.
After all, Khabib left the fight game on a high note. His record? Spotless. His last victory was over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. It was more than just a win; it was a promise kept to his mother. Following his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s death in 2020, he vowed to hang up his gloves for good.
So, did the UFC try to bypass Abdelaziz and go straight to Khabib? “Honestly no,” Khabib shared in an interview with MMAjunkie.com. He’s been clear with Abdelaziz for over a year now. “Doesn’t matter who calls you, but never call me about a fight,” he insisted.
Khabib knows the UFC has been reaching out to Abdelaziz. Yet, he’s unwavering. He’s told Abdelaziz and anyone else who’s listening: October 2020 was it for him. No comebacks, no returns. That chapter is closed.
And that’s that. Despite the UFC’s best efforts, Khabib Nurmagomedov remains retired, honoring a promise and a legacy that’s uniquely his.