Khabib Nurmagomedov has missed the world of MMA as much as it has missed the lightweight legend. Years after his retirement, Nurmagomedov is still helping others in their MMA journey, including the current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. However, Makhachev recently made a huge revelation about the undefeated Dagestani fighter.
Recently during an interview with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Islam Makhachev was asked about whether Nurmagomedov was happy after his retirement. Responding to the question, Makhachev revealed that despite being happy, ‘The Eagle’ frequently missed the sport.
I think he’s happy but this guy miss fighting. That’s why he joined us everywhere…He love to train, everyday he train. He has a house in the village, he has a house in the city. Both houses have saunas, both houses have very good gyms, swimming pools, this guy is training every day. For the good dinner, he has to train.
Islam Makhachev via Pound 4 Pound Podcast
Nurmagomedov is regarded as one of the most dominant UFC fighters ever. His wrestling skill and pressure-fighting style overwhelmed every opponent he faced. In 2020, the Dagestani ended his career with an undefeated record of 29-0. It came as a shock to many fans and experts, given he was still in his prime.
Islam Makhachev has carried the legacy of Dagestani fighters after Nurmagomedov left. The champion is currently getting ready for his title defense against a formidable opponent, Dustin Poirier. It would be intriguing to see whether the fighter could continue his reign as the champion after UFC 302.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is done with cornering but not coaching
Like his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib Nurmagomedov has also taken the path to help others to become professional fighters. After his retirement, Nurmagomedov coached Islam Makhachev, leading him to win the championship at UFC 280. However, after that, Nurmagomedov announced that he would like to stay away from the world of MMA.
Khabib Nurmagomedov clears the air about his coaching career (via X)In a recent interview, Khabib Nurmagomedov cleared the air and said he still coached other fighters. However, he has no plans to corner any fighter.
It’s not like I’m retired from coaching. Sometimes I go to the gym, I share my knowledge, my experience, with all my brothers. It’s not about, ‘I’m retiring from coaching,’ but with cornering, fight week, everything, with this kind of stuff, I’m done. But I’m still sharing my knowledge and experience with my brothers.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via MMA Junkie
After pictures of Makhachev training with Nurmagomedov for UFC 302 went viral, many fans assumed the legend might return to corner the champion. However, that might not be the case. ‘The Eagle’ might travel with the team, but cornering fighters are out of the equation at present.
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