After winning over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020 to successfully defend his lightweight title for the third time, Nurmagomedov shocked the world by announcing his retirement. In addition to retiring as the lightweight champion, he finished with a perfect 29-0 career record and a 13-0 UFC record.
On March 19, 2021, UFC President Dana White declared that he had accepted Nurmagomedov's decision to retire and that the UFC Lightweight Championship had been formally vacated despite attempts to negotiate his return for one final fight.
Nurmagomedov was honored by the UFC Hall of Fame on July 1, 2022, in Las Vegas during International Fight Week.
Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov retire?
Abdulmanap, the father and coach of Nurmagomedov, passed away in July 2020 as a result of COVID-19 complications. Before deciding to accept the fight with Justin Gaethje, according to Nurmagomedov, he talked with his mother for three days.
In the main event of UFC 254, on October 24, 2020, Nurmagomedov fought Gaethje in a unification match. To defend and re-unify the UFC Lightweight Championship, Nurmagomedov used a triangle choke in the second round to win via technical submission.
After the fight, Nurmagomedov revealed that he was retiring from mixed martial arts. He explained the reason for retiring,
"No way I'm going to come here without my father.” “It was first time after what happened with my father, when UFC called me about Justin, I talk with my mother three days.” “She doesn't want me to go fight without my father, but I promised her it was going to be my last fight.” “If I give my word, I have to follow this.” “It was my last fight here."
What did Khabib Nurmagomedov do after retirement?
After retiring, Nurmagomedov spent $1 million to buy the Russian MMA promotion Gorilla Fighting Championship (GFC), which he later rebranded as the Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC).
In addition, Nurmagomedov started working as a coach alongside Javier Mendez, the head coach of the American Kickboxing Academy. He trained and cornered the current UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, Zubaira Tukhugov, Tagir Ulanbekov, Islam Mamedov, Gadzhi Rabadanov, Saygid Izagakhmaev, Belal Muhammad, Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Usman Nurmagomedov.
At UFC 284, Islam Makhachev was scheduled to defend his title against UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski, but Nurmagomedov completely left mixed martial arts in January 2023 to devote himself to his family. He also stopped coaching and cornering fighters.
Related: Khabib Nurmagomedov's net worth
FAQs On When did Khabib Nurmagomedov retire?
Nurmagomedov retired after winning over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020.
Nurmagomedov retired due to the passing of his father and coach, Abdulmanap, and his promise to his mother.
After retirement, Nurmagomedov bought the Gorilla Fighting Championship, worked as a coach, and later left MMA to focus on his family.
