Title: Khabib Nurmagomedov Contemplates Coaching Retirement as UFC 311 Approaches
Title: Khabib Nurmagomedov Contemplates Coaching Retirement as UFC 311 Approaches
Khabib 'The Eagle' Nurmagomedov, once a dominating force in UFC's lightweight division, has now transformed into one of the top coaches in MMA. This weekend, Nurmagomedov will spectate the co-main event and main event of UFC 311, eagerly backing Umar Nurmagomedov's UFC bantamweight title bid and Islam Makhachev's UFC lightweight title defense. However, the multi-time champion coach seems uneasy with his new role and hints he won't do it for long.
"When these guys finish, I'm going to finish too," Nurmagomedov declared to ESPN with a hint of exhaustion. "We've been dominating the sport for years, losing barely any fights across our team of 25 professional fighters. We've conquered countless belts and triumphs, all due to tremendous sacrifice."
Nurmagomedov took over the reins following the demise of his revered coach and father, Abdulmanap, in July 2020. "We've lost our backbone," manager Ali Abdelaziz shared with ESPN at the time. "He was everything to us."
Coaching seemed to resonate with Khabib, who began to understand his father's feelings of responsibility. "I can feel the weight now," Nurmagomedov said ahead of UFC 311. "Discipline alone isn't enough, it's all about sacrifice."
This demanding lifestyle has proven challenging for Nurmagomedov. Being deeply committed to his father's legacy, Khabib has dedicated his life to his team's success while forsaking comfort and personal time.
"People talk about sacrifice but sometimes, it's not enough," Nurmagomedov added. "If you want to be the best, there is no place for family. You have to sacrifice time, health, and everything good to make it to the top."
UFC 311: The Main Event- Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2
Islam Makhachev and Khabib's team mate renew their rivalry, this time for the UFC lightweight title. Makhachev (26-1) has continued his impressive run with nine victories since their first encounter, with seven finishes and two decisions.
Makhachev captured the vacant UFC lightweight title in October 2022, and after successfully defending it three times, he gears up for the rematch against Tsarukyan.
Arman Tsarukyan (22-3) aims to avenge his defeat against Makhachev, rebounding with an 11-1 record since the previous loss. Tsarukyan’s latest victory was a split decision victory over chimera fighter Charles Oliveira at UFC 300.
References:
- MMA Fighting
- ESPN
- The Guardian
- Khabib Nurmagomedov
- UFC
- Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's nephew and a promising UFC fighter, will also be in action at UFC 311, challenging for the UFC bantamweight title.
- Khabib, as a coach, has been instrumental in the success of Islam Makhachev, who is set to defend his UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 311 against Arman Tsarukyan.
- Despite his commitments as a coach, Khabib Shareef Nurmagomedov's name still echoes in the UFC 311 fight card with his brother Umar Nurmagomedov's participation, demonstrating the family's strong presence in the UFC.