“I have just released myself from this prison in a way,” former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov reflects on his retirement


“I have just released myself from this prison in a way,” former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov reflects on his retirement

Khabib Nurmagomedov

The former UFC Lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of the most dominating champions in UFC history and he announced his retirement at the peak of his career.

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Following his win against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, ‘The Eagle’ announced his retirement, lot of people think that Khabib Nurmagomedov misses fighting but the former Lightweight champion is happy to escape the daily grind.

In his latest interview with UFC Russia, Khabib reflects on his retirement. He says, “I am living the life of an ordinary person, not the one of a professional athlete, I think living the life of an athlete is somewhat close to being held in a prison.”

“Because everyday he has to do exactly the same thing — train, rest, then train again, then rest. It’s like living in the same mode, at the same pace, not slowing down.Once you slow down, you are no longer a champion. So I have just released myself from this prison in a way.” {H/T MMA Fighting}

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Khabib Nurmagomedov isn’t conflicted about his decision to retire

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dana White
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dana White

Khabib Nurmagomedov is happy he escaped the repetitions of life but he definitely misses the moments he spends training and fighting with his coaches and partners.

Although, he isn’t conflicted about his decision to retire and he is never going to defy the promise he did to his mother. Khabib added, “Well, I miss almost everything if I can say so,There are so many moments when I feel lack of competition or it’s spirit, you know. There are many things that I miss.”

“Simply because I spent my entire life doing them. No, there was not a single moment when I had regrets or doubts about my decision. However, I miss this competition environment itself, training camps, losing weight, etc.” {H/T MMA Fighting}

Khabib continued, “Because it’s some sort of an addiction and you can’t get rid of it, it simply exists. Sometimes you just want to enter the octagon and kick ass, fight for five rounds straight and make it really tough. But life is life. Even if not now, then at some point in life, I’d have quit and say no to this sport anyway.”

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Also Read: “Dana White is not giving up,” Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals that UFC President is still trying to convince the Eagle to make a comeback.