MMA News Roundup: Russian UFC lightweight forced to retire, Khabib Nurmagomedov consoles defeated fighter, Jose Aldo gives refuge to former Brazil president
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about the retirement of a bright lightweight prospect, Jose Aldo letting Brazil's former president stay at his mansion, and more.
#3. UFC star Damir Ismagulov announces retirement
Lightweight prospect Damir Ismagulov recently announced his retirement from MMA in an Instagram post. His decision shocked the mixed martial arts community as he was considered to be one of the next-generation lightweights who would take over the division as former superstars retired.
However, Ismagulov revealed that he was driven to take the call because of health complications. He did not divulge further information on the nature of the issue.
Read Ismagulov's statement below:
"Unfortunately, due to circumstances and health problems, I am forced to end my sports career. Thanks to all those who were with me regardless of the outcome in the battles, who were sincerely sick and worried. It was an interesting journey, a moment to remember. Gave everyone a hug."
Here's the social media post:
Ismagulov's UFC career was on an upward curve until he hit a snag against Arman Tsarukyan on the UFC Vegas 66 card. The fact that he fought as recently as December 17 last year made his announcement an even bigger shock to the fans.
#2. Khabib Nurmagomedov comforts fighter after loss
Khabib Nurmagomedov showed his softer side at the RIZIN vs. Bellator MMA mega event. After his student Gadzhi Rabadanov defeated Japan's Koji Takeda via unanimous decision, Nurmagomedov stepped inside the ring in a generous display of spirit.
Although 'The Eagle' himself is undefeated, he visibly empathized with an emotional and heartbroken Takeda and consoled him. Nurmagomedov raised Takeda's arm up in the air for the fans to acknowledge him and was also seen giving him words of encouragement.
Watch the video below:
Bellator MMA swept the event clean with a 5-0 score over RIZIN, capped off by A.J. McKee's spectacular win over Roberto de Souza.
#1. Jair Bolsonaro stays at Jose Aldo's mansion
Featherweight legend Jose Aldo appeared to slightly fall in the eyes of many fans after letting disgraced former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro stay at his Orlando mansion.
Bolsonaro is reported to have fled from his home country two days before leftist incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took oath as the new president on Sunday, January 1.
Several outlets reported that he sought refuge in Florida in the luxurious mansion of an MMA fighter. The Rio Times confirmed the fighter to be UFC legend Jose Aldo.
Bolsonaro not only disregarded the tradition of the peaceful passing of the presidential sash to Lula da Silva, but he could also be trying to avoid multiple police inquiries.
He is being investigated for misinforming and misleading people ahead of the election and for possible links to "digital militias" that help propagate fake news, as per Business Insider.
Former UFC champion Aldo is a longtime friend and supporter of the far-right former president. Bolsonaro no longer has the prosecutorial immunity that comes with the office of Brazil's presidency.