Khabib Nurmagomedov has officially retired, says UFC boss Dana White

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However, it can be said that the greatest mixed martial artist of all time has officially retired after Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White confirmed him on Twitter on Thursday.

“29-0 it is,” White tweeted. “He is officially 100 years old. It was amazing to see you working Khabib. Thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoying what will happen next my friend.”
Nurmagomedov, after beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020 to defend his lightweight title for the third time, stunned the world by announcing his retirement.

The 32-year-old finished with a perfect career record of 29-0 and a 13-0 UFC record, also retiring as lightweight champion.

Nurmagomedov’s father and trainer Abdulmanap died in July 2020 after complications from Covid-19. Nurmagomedov said he spoke with his mother for three days before deciding to accept the fight with Gaethje.

An emotional Nurmagomedov said after his fight in July: “Today was my last fight. There is no way I can come here without my father.”

Despite the announcement of his retirement, White reportedly hoped the Dagestan fighter could return to the Octagon.

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White (right) chats with Nurmagomedov during a press conference for UFC 229.
However, according to ESPN, White and Nurmagomedov met in Las Vegas and the Russian told White he had no plans to fight again.

“Khabib is retired and doesn’t want to delay the division,” White told ESPN via text. “Tonight was our last meeting and he’s retired.”

With the lightweight championship belt vacant, White told ESPN that the UFC is finalizing a lightweight title fight between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira for UFC 262 on May 15.



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