The news that Khabib Nurmagomedov is retiring from coaching and leaving MMA for good has caused a stir in the MMA community. Many current and former MMA personalities have taken to Twitter to express their utter shock at the news.
Earlier, the former lightweight champion announced his retirement from the UFC in 2020; however, the unbeaten fighter continued his journey with the sport after retirement by becoming a coach and promoter. Recently, the Russian even launched his very own mixed martial arts promotion known as Eagle FC.
How did the MMA community react to Khabib’s retirement news?
Everyone connected with MMA is in shock after hearing about the 34-year-old Russian’s retirement as his age, experience, and charisma in the sport all pointed to a long coaching career in mixed martial arts. However, The Eagle’s former and current coworkers have wished him well in the future.
The interviewer Shakiel Mahjouri has said goodbye to Khabib, calling him a “once-in-a-lifetime talent.”
”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.”
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
A Khabib fan saw this coming but did not expect it to be this soon as he said, ”I had a feeling this was coming but I didn’t realize it was going to be this soon. End of an Era. Khabib Nurmagomedov.
I had a feeling this was coming but I didn’t realise it was going to be this soon. End of an Era. Khabib Nurmagomedov. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/8QFKprWswc
— Abul (@AbzTalks1) January 7, 2023
Justin Herron decided to remind everyone again of Khabib’s fighting prowess in his tweet.
As the great Khabib Nurmagomedov is leaving the MMA world forever..you must never forget these few things
-You knew he was gonna win
-He would have k*lled Conor if not for Herb Dean
-Never bled
-Never knocked down
-Never wobbled
-Retired undisputed and undefeated
🦅 🇷🇺 #UFC pic.twitter.com/S4ReRj12Ms— King Bobby 👑🇿🇦 (@JustinHerronUFC) January 7, 2023
An MMA and boxing writer, Jordan Ellis however expects that Khabib will stay with MMA.
”Rumours circulating that Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to leave MMA completely 🤯 .I’ve really enjoyed watching his evolution from fighter to coach. And he’s actually really good at it, so let’s hope he sticks around 🦅”
Rumours circulating that Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to leave MMA completely 🤯
I've really enjoyed watching his evolution from fighter to coach. And he's actually really good at it, so let's hope he sticks around 🦅pic.twitter.com/PCdElSkJUf
— Jordan Ellis (@JordanEllisUK) January 7, 2023
A fan of Khabib thinks Khabib did exactly how his father wanted him to do saying “Khabib stayed active in the MMA scene even after retirement to finish what Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov started 🦅”
Khabib stayed active in the MMA scene even after retirement to finish what Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov started 🦅 pic.twitter.com/eKD6UTmBkz
— General⚡Usman (@UsmanTime) January 7, 2023
Tam Khan, who is the pioneer of MMA in UAE has shared a happy moment of his and Khabib.
Two legends of Martial Arts. One being the pioneer & reason why we all are involved in the sport. The other being the greatest to ever do it. Two brothers & true inspirations. @realroyce @TeamKhabib #MountRushmoreOfMma pic.twitter.com/o2x5PeKk7b
— Tam Khan (@Tam_Khan) January 5, 2023
Another Khabib fan have shared a clip of his grandmother with Khabib and shared good luck saying ”Though I know we will still see you, I still want to wish you the best as you move on to the next chapter
@TeamKhabib 🦅👑🤼♂️”
Though I know we will still see you, I still want to wish you the best as you move on to the next chapter @TeamKhabib 🦅👑🤼♂️ pic.twitter.com/CltaxlGJfu
— Nelly (@GrandmaKhabib) January 8, 2023
MMA writer Damon Martin thinks Khabib is just taking a break for his family as he said, ”Khabib Nurmagomedov will be ‘taking some time off for his family’ as he exits his role as a coach in MMA for the time being but I was told that doesn’t necessarily close the door forever. He wants time right now to be a husband and father.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov will be ‘taking some time off for his family’ as he exits his role as a coach in MMA for the time being but I was told that doesn’t necessarily close the door forever. He wants time right now to be a husband and father. https://t.co/TroYBZgS85
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) January 9, 2023
Another MMA fanatic said that Khabib’s legacy will never be forgotten.
https://twitter.com/tshine_bby98/status/1612132101641408516?s=20&t=B7qst6GgW-FP0URLrEc2pA
Khamzat Chimaev, a UFC fighter said Khabib will be missed so much.
”Khabib Nurmagomedov shares a post on his Insta story pretty much confirming his retirement from the sports of MMA. After having dedicated so much time to MMA, this is all well deserved. He may still be present for Islam, Umar & Usman fights, but that’s about it. He’ll be missed!”
Khabib Nurmagomedov shares a post on his Insta story pretty much confirming his retirement from the sports of MMA. After having dedicated so much time to MMA, this is all well deserved. He may still be present for Islam, Umar & Usmans fights, but that's about it. He'll be missed! pic.twitter.com/rDyWhpEIym
— Borz ⛰ 🐺 (@Borz4562) January 7, 2023
Waetray, a Twitter user thinks at this point in his career Khabib should enjoy time with his family.
”Thanks, Khabib for making MMA a more exciting and respectful game. What a legacy you have achieved both in fighting and coaching in your life. Now you deserve to enjoy your life with your family.”
Thanks, Khabib for making MMA more exciting and respectful game. What a legacy you have achieved both in fighting and coaching in your life. Now you deserve to enjoy your life with your family.
You are the #legend, the #warrior, and the #GOAT. #khabibnurmagomedov #khabib #ufc pic.twitter.com/kwE06uj0N1— Waetray (@waetray) January 9, 2023
Caposa just thinks the timing would be different as he said,“Considering his coaching schedule post-retirement, this wouldn’t be too surprising. He never left, and his presence in the sport only increased. Although the timing is strange with Islam-Volk around the corner,”
Considering his coaching schedule post retirement, this wouldn't be too surprising. He never left, his presence in the sport only increased. Although the timing is strange with Islam-Volk around the corner. https://t.co/Uzy6XC7Q8w
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) January 7, 2023
Share your thoughts on the announcement that Khabib will be retiring. Should he have kept going with his coaching career, or is now the right time for him to call it quits?
