“Completed his father’s plan” – Khabib Nurmagomedov retires as MMA coach ahead of Islam Makhachev’s title defense

“Completed his father’s plan” – Khabib Nurmagomedov retires as MMA coach ahead of Islam Makhachev’s title defense

Khabib Nurmagomedov (Image Courtesy - InsideSport)

Khabib Nurmagomedov has announced his second retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts. It looks like “The Eagle” will no longer associate himself with the sport he loves the most. In an Instagram post, the Dagestani former fighter has decided to step down from his duties as a coach and promoter.

Back in 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov shocked the world by announcing he would retire from professional fighting. His retirement came after his title defense against Justin Gaethje. Fans, however, were fortunate enough to still see the Dagestani in the octagon corner coaching his teammates to glory. His most-famous coaching cameos came during the Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira fight.

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After a sudden rise in rumors of Coach Khabib distancing himself from the sport, Nurmagoedov himself took to Instagram to confirm the rumors. The fighter reshared a post from a fan account that said, “Khabib is leaving the MMA industry. It about coaching and everything else related to MMA. The reason is Khabib’s desire to devote more time to his family.”

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Other than coaching his teammates and family, Nurmagomedov also took control of the Eagle MMA Promotion. The fighter brought this promotion shortly after his retirement and organized MMA events in, UAE, USA, and Russia.

Related: Watch: Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov giving Belal Muhammad a game plan in the middle of his fight against Sean Brady

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement as a coach comes month before his protege’s title defense

Khabib Nurmagomedov Islam Makhachev UFC 280
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev at UFC 280

Nurmagomedov had achieved everything he had ever dreamt of in his fighting career. Though, his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had plans for both his son and student, Islam Makhachev. After the passing of the great Abdulmanap, “The Eagle” took into his hands, the responsibility of helping Makhachev become a lightweight champion.

At UFC 280, “father’s plans” were fulfilled as Makhachev defeated Oliveira to become the new king of the 155-pound division. Khabib Nurmagomedov announced that his protege would go on to defend his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.

Fans were in high anticipation to watch Makhachev take on the P4P best with Coach Khabib in his corner. This announcement from Khabib comes off as shocking given UFC 284 is only a month away from taking place. Khabib Nurmagomedov is yet to come out in public and speak about his decision. Nevertheless, Nurmagomedov has tasted ultimate success as both, a fighter, and coach.

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