Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin reveals why the UFC legend is stepping away from MMA

Earlier this week, undefeated UFC hall of famer Khabib Nurmegomedov announced his retirement as a coach, which resulted in the Dagestani champion’s complete exit from the MMA arena.

Eagle hung up his gloves after his father died, vacating the UFC lightweight title, which is now held by his trainee, Islam Makhachev, and his desire to spend more time with his family is the reason for his coaching decision.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has retired as an MMA coach and is stepping away from the sport (per @KevinI). Farewell to a once-in-a-lifetime talent 🫡 pic.twitter.com/qfe14oILES

— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) January 8, 2023

Khabib’s cousin and mentee, Umar Nurmagomedov, recently told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter that the 34-year-old’s decision was not surprising at all, as Khabib has spoken to everyone regarding the issue for quite a long time.

The main reason behind Khabib’s decision to retire was his unwillingness to travel as a coach; he had to travel more than a regular fighter as Khabib’s family lives in Russia.

“I’m not surprised; we knew, and we talked about this. We talked; he gave me advice on the fight: cut weight. Everything was the same he just stopped, too many flights. I think it will be the same; we will be training together in Dagestan”.

Umar Nurmagomedov on Khabib's decision to step back from coaching: "I don't think he can stop, he will still control me and my brother, some other guys, but not the same (way), he doesn't want to travel, doesn't want to come to camps and stay with us for a couple of months." pic.twitter.com/smEYjIU9YV

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 11, 2023

But the 15-0 southpaw assured that the relationship between him and his cousin will remain the same, as the undefeated champ will still guide the fighters but will not camp with them [other fighters], and as a brother, Umar is ready to follow any advice from Khabib.

“Nothing changes we brothers. He will not travel too much and will take care of himself, his family, his mother. This is very hard, traveling too much, cornering everybody; this is not easy. That is why he made the decision, and I’m happy for him… I don’t think he can stop; he will still control me and my brother, some other guys, but not the same; he doesn’t want to travel, doesn’t want to come to camps and stay with us for a couple of months.”