Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin Umar gives an insider's update on his MMA retirement
Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin Umar has given fans an update and insight into the former champion's recent decision to step away from MMA altogether.
'The Eagle' is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, amassing a stunning 29-0 record in his professional career. Following his decision to step away from the octagon in 2020 as the lightweight champ, the 34-year-old started his own promotion, Eagle FC, as well as successfully transitioning into coaching at the American Kingboxing Academy alongside Javier Mendez.
Since the switch to becoming a coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov has overseen Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov capturing the UFC and Bellator lightweight titles, respectively.
Khabib Nurmagomedov penned a goodbye message on Instagram:
Following the UFC Hall of Famer's cryptic post on Instagram last week, Umar Nurmagomedov explained that 'The Eagle' is taking some much-needed time off after all of his recent travels with his fighters:
"We will still train. We will be training together when in Dagestan. Nothing changes like that, we're brothers...I don't think he can stop, he will still control me and my brother, some other guys, but not the same [way]. He doesn't want to travel, doesn't want to come to camps and stay with us for a couple of months...That's why he make the decision, I'm happy for him."
Catch the clip here:
Umar Nurmagomedov on Khabib's decision to step back from coaching: "I don't think he can stop, he will still control me and my brother, some other guys, but not the same (way), he doesn't want to travel, doesn't want to come to camps and stay with us for a couple of months." https://t.co/smEYjIU9YV
Dan Ige and Michael Bisping weigh in on Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement from coaching
Dan Ige has stated that there is nobody more deserving of some time off from MMA than Khabib Nurmagomedov following the Russian's recent post on Instagram.
Nurmagomedov stated that he and his team worked incredibly hard over the course of 2022 and achieved a great deal. With that in mind, the 34-year-old decided he needed some time away from MMA instead of another hectic year.
In an interview with The Schmo, '50k' gave his thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov's decision to step away:
"Yeah, I mean, he deserves it, man. He's... I feel like he's never really truly had a break. And, if that's true, good for him and I hope he does because he's a good coach, and he's got a bunch of killers and I don't wanna fight those guys."
Catch the interview here:
Michael Bisping also had his say on the legacy that the former Russian fighter will leave in MMA. According to 'The Count', Nurmagomedov's success inside the octagon is a major reason why Dagestan is producing some of the most elite fighters in the sport:
"The way he [Khabib Nurmagomedov] was taking those people out, especially [Justin] Gaethje and [Dustin] Poirier, I mean, unbelievable. Just a wrecking-ball of technique and power and confidence...Khabib was so confident and he put Dagestan on the map. Of course, now there's like a big influx of Dagestan fighters."
Catch Bisping's reaction here: