UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (TASS photo)
MOSCOW – Undefeated Russia’s UFC (the Ultimate Fighting Championship) lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who announced his retirement in October, told reporters he is ready to vacate his title.
He made the comment after UFC President Dana White repeatedly stated his wish about Nurmagomedov’s UFC comeback and even proposed Ireland’s Conor McGregor and Canada’s Georges St-Pierre as possible opponents for the Russian fighter.
"If my title is vacated, the situation will calm down. I’m tired of this uncertainty, the division must move forward. I understand Dana White - one [fighter] is gone, then another, but he still needs to make some money. However, my decision is final," Nurmagomedov said.
Nurmagomedov, hailing from Russia’s North Caucasus region of Dagestan, was the first Russian to win the UFC champion after beating American Al Iaquinta in the spring of 2018.
The 32-year-old Russian fighter, nicknamed ‘The Eagle,’ is holding an unblemished record of 29 wins in all of his mixed martial arts fights with eight by knockouts, 11 by submission, and 10 by decision.
He defended his UFC title three times, defeating Conor McGregor of Ireland, Dustin Poirier of the United States, and Justin Gaethje of the United States.
Shortly after the victorious bout in Abu Dhabi over Gaethje, Nurmagomedov stunned his numerous fans worldwide by saying that he would retire because he wants to spend more time with his family and because of a promise he gave to his mother after the death of his coach and father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. (TASS)
