Khabib Nurmagomedov adds to confusion about his retirement status
If Khabib Nurmagomedov’s goal is to confuse the hell out of everyone about where he stands on retirement, he has succeeded.
Ever since the UFC lightweight champion made an emotional announcement following his win over Justin Gaethje on Oct. 24, it’s been nothing but mixed messages between him and Dana White. The UFC president initially believed Khabib was finished, then just a few days later reversed course after an apparent conversation with him. Since that happened, White has been consistent in saying that Khabib’s not done fighting.
All the while, Khabib has maintained – at least publicly – that he’s retired.
Khabib never has struck me as the type of man to play games, especially on a topic like retirement. But then he went ahead and posted this on Instagram on Tuesday:
See you soon @danawhite.
All we can tell you at this point is that Khabib is expected to be in Las Vegas soon to meet with White. About what? Perhaps we’ll find out eventually.
I’m surprised we’re even talking about this, but I shouldn’t be. After all, we’re talking about an MMA retirement, and those never stick. But Khabib was as believable as they come, saying that he made a promise to his mother not to keep fighting after the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap over the summer.
Whether Khabib returns or not, hopefully he’s comfortable with that decision.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov adds to confusion about his retirement status
