Overview
- Speaking at recent Q&A events, Nurmagomedov said the UFC gave him one month to decide his future following Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s passing, leading him to honor his mother’s wish that he retire.
- He reflected that he likely would have fought longer if his father had lived, but he closed his career at 29-0 after submitting Justin Gaethje in October 2020.
- Revisiting UFC 229, he described beating Conor McGregor as feeling like a vacation he had waited years to enjoy, even as the post-fight jump into McGregor’s corner sparked a brawl and subsequent suspensions.
- He framed his rivalry reflections through faith, saying he hopes McGregor can change his life and that everyone has a chance to return to better conduct.
- Since retiring, he has focused on coaching and infrastructure in Dagestan, including a reported $5 million facility in Makhachkala, and he remains a mentor to Islam Makhachev heading into UFC 322.