Khabib Reiterates Why He Retired, Says UFC Pushed for Quick Return After Father’s Death

He describes a one-month deadline from the UFC following his father’s passing as the moment he chose to honor his mother’s wish to stop fighting.

Overview

In new interviews, Khabib Nurmagomedov says his father’s death in 2020 and a promise to his mother were decisive in ending his career.
He recalls the UFC granting only a month before seeking his decision on returning, describing intense pressure in the lead-up to UFC 254.
Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in October 2020, then retired in the cage at 29-0 after an emotional win.
He recounts staying composed through Dustin Poirier’s guillotine attempt in 2019, noting his father was nervous while he planned to escape and finish.
Since retiring, he has focused on coaching and infrastructure in Dagestan, including a reported $5 million facility in Makhachkala and mentorship of Islam Makhachev.