Khabib Nurmagomedov finally has convinced UFC president Dana White that his fighting career is over.
Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) first announced he was retiring from MMA competition following his lightweight title defense over Justin Gaethje last October at UFC 254. Citing the fallout of the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap, as well as a promise to his mother, “The Eagle” declared his was done.
The announcement didn’t persuade everyone, though. White was insistent Nurmagomedov should continue fighting, and in the months since has made his pitch in meetings, through the media and more. In the end, however, it was to no avail.
White took to social media on Thursday and, after what appears to be another meeting with Nurmagomedov, said the undefeated Dagestani is “officially retired.”
White shared the news in a caption posted alongside a photo with Nurmagomedov (via Twitter):
29-0 it is.
He is officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend. pic.twitter.com/QeoSP12zw2
— danawhite (@danawhite) March 19, 2021
29-0 it is.
He is officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend.
Shortly after that announcement, MMA Junkie confirmed that the UFC will proceed with a lightweight title fight between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira, which will headline UFC 262 on May 15.
Dana White: UFC champ Khabib Nurmagomedov is ‘officially retired’