Coach Javier Mendez confirms Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement, details its impact on UFC 284
Khabib Nurmagomedov's recent announcement that he would be stepping away from MMA entirely has been confirmed by his longtime head coach Javier Mendez.
'The Eagle' retired from fighting in 2020 and took on the role of co-head coach at American Kickboxing Academy alongside Mendez. Both men had a successful 2021 and were awarded the MMA Coach of the Year honor.
Nurmagomedov's shocking announcement several days ago was confirmed by Mendez during a recent interview with Submission Radio, where he said the following:
"He informed me about 3 weeks out [from the announcement] that this is what he wants to do. He wants to spend time with family, and I am with him on what he wants to do."
Nurmagomedov was meant to be part of the corner team for Islam Makhachev's first title defense at UFC 284 against Alexander Volkanovski. The pair have been close friends since childhood, and 'The Eagle' was set to fulfil his father's wish of seeing Makhachev reign supreme in the UFC lightweight division.
Mendez was asked what the impact of Khabib Nurmagomedov's absence would be at UFC 284, and he said this:
"Not having Khabib there, it's great having him there and I want him there, but I'm okay with him not being there either. Because Islam Makhachev is such a great student of the game and he knows what to do."
Watch the interview from 0:30 and then skip to 7:15:
The main event at UFC 284 will be a monumental clash, and Khabib Nurmagomedov's absence will no doubt be felt, as the two best P4P fighters in the promotion go to war.
With Makhachev's victory, a new era of Dagestani dominance may be upon the UFC lightweight division. But Volkanovski's victory would be a moment for the ages, and what Daniel Cormier stated would be the biggest upset in MMA history.
The fight will take place in Perth, Australia, and sees two title fights back-to-back. Josh Emmett and Yair Rodriguez will do battle for the UFC interim featherweight title in the co-main event prior to Makhachev vs. Volkanovski.
Umar Nurmagomedov comments on Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement
Umar Nurmagomedov will be competing against Raoni Barcelos at UFC Fight Night 217 this weekend. The bantamweight contender will be without his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov for this bout, who is usually part of his corner team.
Umar commented on the recent retirement of 'The Eagle' at the pre-fight press conference, and he said the following:
"I was calling him, talking to him about cutting weight. This guy is just stopping flying so much. When I go home, I will go to him and say, 'Hey let's go train.' This guy always training, we cannot stop."
Watch the video below from 0:30: