UFC Legend Don Frye Defends Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Early Retirement Decision: “Nobody Ever Challenged Him”

UFC legend Don Frye talks about the lightweight veteran Khabib Nurmagomedov's dominance in the lightweight division.

UFC Legend Don Frye Defends Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Early Retirement Decision: “Nobody Ever Challenged Him”

Don Fyre credits Khabib Nurmagomedov (via X)

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It has been more than five years since Khabib Nurmagomedov officially announced his retirement from the world of MMA competition. In his final bout, ‘The Eagle’ defeated Justin Gaethje to defend the lightweight belt, and retired undefeated with a perfect 29-0 record. Since then, despite many assumptions, he never returned to fighting, yet continues to frequently appear in global MMA headlines.

Throughout his career, Nurmagomedov fought some of the biggest names such as Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Gaethje. The Dagestani dominated everybody that stepped into the Octagon with him, and recently, veteran Don Frye talked about it in detail.

Khabib was everybody’s match. Nobody was going to beat that guy. He was ten feet tall and bulletproof. He’s phenomenal; there’s nothing you can take away from him. He hit his goal and he’s staying there, he’s maintaining it. If he were to advance it a little, then he’d come back, but he has no desire to come back, and you can’t blame him because nobody ever challenged him.

Don’t Fyre via his YouTube 

Don Frye was a combat sports legend, massively popular during his prime, embodying charisma and a fearless warrior spirit worldwide. A college wrestler and UFC 8 Tournament winner, Frye delivered iconic fights and unforgettable performances that defined martial arts. Beyond titles, Frye inspired generations with raw grit and mustache swagger, becoming a timeless symbol of MMA history.

Frye has previously linked up with Team Khabib and the current welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev. According to the veteran, Dagestani wrestling is superior to any other fighting style, and they are here to dominate. Former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has also said something similar about the Dagestani fighters and also considers Khabib Nurmagomedov the GOAT.

Following his retirement, Nurmagomedov has shifted his focus towards coaching and has helped Islam Makhachev to become a double champion. Makhachev is often regarded as the complete version of Nurmagomedov, and becoming a double champion definitely helped him boost his legacy. 

Veteran coach puts Khabib Nurmagomedov above Jon Jones in GOAT debate

Khabib Nurmagomedov began his fighting journey in Dagestan under the disciplined guidance of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Under Abdulmanap’s strict system, he mastered wrestling fundamentals, mental toughness, and relentless pressure that later defined his undefeated career. After arriving in the UFC, Khabib expanded his skillset by joining American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones in GOAT debate
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones in GOAT debate (via X)

At AKA, he trained under renowned coach Javier Mendez, sharpening his striking and evolving into a complete mixed martial artist. ‘The Eagle’ consistently credited AKA for transforming his standup game and giving him confidence against elite lightweight contenders. Mendez recently explained that Khabib’s discipline, dominance, and undefeated record make him the greatest fighter in MMA history.

The GOAT for me is Khabib, and I would put Jon Jones in that category, but I can’t. If you’re caught doing something you shouldn’t have been doing, how can you be considered at the top of the league? This is a true sport, and in a true sport you cannot put that person ahead. How many people have won Olympic gold medals and then they find out they cheated and got the medals taken away from them?

Javier Mendez via The Ahmad Mahmood Show

Jon Jones has long been considered one of the most talented fighters in MMA history. However, multiple PED violations over the years created controversy and raised serious questions about his legacy. Failed drug tests and suspensions overshadowed dominant victories, leaving critics debating the legitimacy of his achievements.

Beyond performance-enhancing drug issues, Jones also faced several troubling run-ins with law enforcement. Incidents, including arrests and legal disputes, further complicated his public image outside the octagon. While his in-cage accomplishments remain extraordinary, these controversies undeniably stained parts of his otherwise historic career.

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