Khabib Nurmagomedov has finally shared what was going through his mind when he stepped into the cage for the last time in October 2020, only three months after losing his father and lifelong mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
During a talk at the Miftaah Institute, the former UFC lightweight champion opened up about how little time he had to process the loss before being asked to fight again.
“When father passed away, I didn’t even have time to think what to do,” Khabib said. “Because they make interim title [for Justin Gaethje in May]. Then father passed away, and UFC told me, ‘We’re gonna give you one month off, after one month come back to us.’ What are you gonna do? It was a very difficult situation.”
Fighting Through Grief
Khabib entered UFC 254 still grieving but determined to fulfill the obligations his father had built with him over years of training. The undefeated fighter admitted that his decision to fight Justin Gaethje was made under heavy emotional strain.
“From one side it was the whole world waiting for this fight,” he said. “And the other side, I have this deal, what happened with me and my father and my mother on the other side. And I chose what mother wished.”
Nurmagomedov defeated Gaethje by submission in the second round, improving his record to 29-0 before announcing his retirement inside the cage. The decision stunned fans, but Khabib says it was the only choice that felt right after promising his mother he would no longer compete.
Honoring His Father’s Legacy
While Khabib walked away from competition, he never stepped away from the sport completely. He continues to honor his father’s legacy through his coaching and mentorship, developing a new generation of fighters from Dagestan and surrounding regions.
The former champion even built a $5 million facility in Makhachkala named after Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, a place where his father’s vision continues to shape young athletes.
“All of our conversations were about the future,” Khabib said. “What we can do about projects, about our plan, about the guys, about the team. All about investing in people, all about supporting people. My father was never a very big businessman or something like this, but he was always investing with his knowledge and energy to help people. It was his life goal.”
Khabib admitted that if his father had lived, he might have continued fighting for a while longer. But without him, the motivation faded.
“I saw a lot of rumors why I retired, because of this or that,” he said. “I think if my father was still alive he would have made me fight a little bit longer, because I just turned 32 when I finished. But he passed away and it was very honest, a good conversation with her. It’s hard to explain. Everything happened so fast.”
Now, Khabib focuses on his students — including UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev — ensuring the values and teachings of Abdulmanap live on through their success.
