Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated former UFC lightweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. With an unmatched 29-0 record, Khabib’s dominance inside the octagon has set him apart from his peers and earned him a legendary status in the sport. Since retiring from professional MMA in 2020, Khabib has remained a prominent figure in the world of combat sports, offering his insights as a coach, mentor, and businessman. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Khabib to discuss his illustrious career, his thoughts on the current state of the UFC, and what’s next for him in the world of MMA.
Reflecting on an Unbeaten Legacy
When asked about his legendary unbeaten streak, Khabib’s calm and humble demeanor remained consistent, as always. “I never really thought much about the record or the numbers,” Khabib explained. “For me, it was always about focusing on the next fight. Every opponent I faced, I respected them, but my goal was always the same—to win and show the world my level of preparation and discipline.”
Khabib’s dominant style, rooted in sambo and wrestling, led him to conquer some of the most formidable fighters in the world. He recalls his most memorable fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 229, where he successfully defended his title. Despite the controversy that surrounded the event, Khabib’s performance was a masterclass in control, mixing his grappling with sharp striking to outclass McGregor.
“That fight was special because it was in front of a huge crowd, and there was a lot of emotional energy,” Khabib reflected. “But I stayed focused on the task at hand. I believe that the best way to fight is not to get emotional or too focused on the noise outside the cage.”
The Decision to Retire
When Khabib made the decision to retire after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, the world was shocked. His retirement came just after the passing of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who had played a pivotal role in shaping Khabib’s career. Many wondered if Khabib’s decision was influenced by personal loss, and he admits that it played a significant part.
“It was very hard to lose my father, and he was a huge part of my journey,” Khabib shared. “I promised my mother that I would retire after my 30th fight. I knew I had accomplished everything I set out to do in MMA. I felt I gave everything to the sport, and my father would have wanted me to step away at the right time.”
While some fans were left disappointed by his early retirement, Khabib’s decision to walk away from the sport with an undefeated record further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time. “I don’t regret it. I have nothing left to prove,” Khabib said. “Now, I focus on helping others and passing on the knowledge I gained to the next generation.”
Coaching and Mentoring the Next Generation
Since retiring, Khabib has transitioned into coaching and mentoring fighters, taking on the role of a mentor to rising stars in the MMA world. One of his most notable proteges is Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, who is seen by many as the heir to Khabib’s throne.
When asked about Makhachev’s success, Khabib spoke with pride and confidence: “Islam is like a brother to me. I have seen his dedication and growth over the years. He has the skills, the discipline, and the mindset to become one of the best in the world. I believe he can be even better than I was, and I will continue to support him in every way possible.”
Khabib has also been working with other fighters at his gym, Eagle FC, helping them refine their skills and build their careers. “My goal is to teach them the values of hard work, discipline, and respect. These are the things that matter the most in MMA and life. You can have all the talent in the world, but without the right mindset, it’s hard to succeed.”
Thoughts on the Current State of the UFC
As a former champion and one of the most successful fighters in UFC history, Khabib has a unique perspective on the current landscape of the promotion. When asked about the UFC’s lightweight division and the future of the sport, Khabib shared his thoughts.
“The lightweight division is still very competitive, and there are many talented fighters,” Khabib explained. “But I believe that Islam Makhachev is the best in the division right now. He has the tools to stay on top for a long time.”
He also commented on the rise of new stars in the UFC, such as Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev, and others. “There is a lot of young talent coming through, and it’s exciting to see how the sport evolves,” Khabib said. “But it’s important for these young fighters to remember that it’s not just about the fame and the money. You must stay focused on your craft and be disciplined.”
Khabib, who was known for his no-nonsense approach, believes that discipline is the key to success in the UFC. “The fighters today are very talented, but some of them forget the fundamentals,” he noted. “If you don’t stay humble, disciplined, and hungry, it’s easy to fall off track.”
Khabib’s Future Plans: Business and Beyond
While Khabib is no longer active in the UFC, he has been involved in various business ventures, including his promotion, Eagle FC, which aims to provide a platform for fighters to showcase their talents outside of the UFC. He has also become an influential figure in the world of sports management, helping to guide young fighters on their careers.
“I have been focusing on Eagle FC and helping to grow the sport in Russia and around the world,” Khabib explained. “There is so much talent in this part of the world, and I want to help these fighters achieve their dreams. Eagle FC is not just about fighting. It’s about creating a family where fighters can grow and be supported.”
In addition to his business ventures, Khabib has been involved in charity work and community development, helping those in need through various initiatives. “I believe in giving back. I have been very blessed in my life, and it’s important to help others,” Khabib said.
Final Thoughts
As the interview came to a close, Khabib shared his final thoughts on his journey and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. “I’m proud of what I accomplished in MMA, but it’s not just about the titles or the records,” he said. “It’s about the people you inspire, the lives you touch, and the lessons you leave behind. I hope that when people think of me, they remember me as someone who was disciplined, respectful, and humble.”
Khabib’s impact on the sport of MMA will be felt for generations to come. As a champion, coach, and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov has set a standard of excellence that is unmatched in the world of mixed martial arts. His journey may have ended inside the octagon, but his influence will continue to shape the future of MMA for years to come.
