Getty Images
Khabib Nurmagomedov is taking a while off. Nurmagomedov posted on Instagram final week a cryptic message that appeared to point he was leaving his position as a coach for a lot of rising stars, together with not too long ago topped light-weight champions Islam Makhachev in UFC and Usman Nurmagomedov in Bellator.
American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez, who educated Nurmagomedov and coached alongside him, advised Yahoo Sports that Nurmagomedov plans to retire in an effort to spend extra time together with his daughter and two sons.
“He simply would not need to miss being a father,” Mendez stated. “He talked to me about three weeks in the past and advised me of his plan and stated he deliberate to speak to the staff and inform them of his choice. He’s doing this for the fitting causes. He’s a household man and he merely desires to spend extra time together with his household.”
However, it’s unclear but what Nurmagomedov plans to do and his future position with Eagle FC.
Mendes is unsure if Nurmagomedov will proceed teaching Makhachev forward of the UFC light-weight champion’s title protection in opposition to featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February. Makhachev is at the moment in Dagestan and had been coaching with Nurmagomedov. Makhachev and Mendez aren’t scheduled to satisfy till the 2 events fly to Perth, Australia on Jan. 20.
“Concluding the yr,” Nurmagomedov wrote on Instagram, in accordance with the social media web site’s auto-translation. “The yr actually turned out to be very busy and profitable. Take care of your self, brothers. I hope my choice is just for one of the best, a giant hug to you all. Thank you, you had been a giant motive for my success in sports activities.”
Nurmagomedov retired from lively competitors on the top of his profession. Nurmagomedov submitted Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 to reclaim the UFC light-weight championship and enhance to an unparalleled 29-0. Nurmagomedov retired, regardless of strain from UFC president Dana White to proceed combating, out of respect for the passing of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
