The previously undefeated UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is stepping away from the MMA stage, a move he himself hinted at on social media. A repost shared by the fighter suggested that Khabib would exit MMA to pursue other ventures, including coaching, and that the family would stay central to his plans. The message implied a shift toward life beyond competition, centered around loved ones.
Nurmagomedov has not issued a direct statement about retirement. Yet, a recent post showing him with his team carried a note of gratitude and a hopeful sentiment that his choice would bring positive outcomes. That message appeared to be an indirect confirmation of his new direction in the sport landscape.
Even if a full exit seemed plausible in the past, the idea of a return has often been met with skepticism from fans and pundits alike. UFC president Dana White publicly hinted at possibilities that would keep the door open for Orel to come back to the octagon, a stance that has kept debate alive among followers of the sport.
Nurmagomedov announced his retirement in October 2020 after concluding a flawless 29 fight record with Justin Gaethje. Since then, he has resisted repeated efforts to lure him back to competition, choosing instead to explore other paths within the sport and beyond.
Although he has stepped away as an active fighter, Khabib remains a pivotal figure in MMA. He launched the Eagle FC promotion and has collaborated with teammates and contemporaries, supporting fighters such as Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov. With Khabib’s backing, Makhachev rose to UFC lightweight champion, and the focus now shifts to the next test facing Makhachev, who is scheduled to clash with Alex Volkanovski in Australia on February 11. This upcoming bout marks a significant milestone for the broader team and the sport’s landscape in North America.
It seems unlikely that Khabib will completely vanish from Makhachev’s circle. Their long-standing collaboration and shared team routines have left little doubt that Khabib remains a constant influence. Still, the preparation for the Australian showdown suggests a balance of independence and ongoing support that could endure at a distance as circumstances change.
Tarasov, a well known pop MMA figure and blogger, voiced the view in a recent interview that Khabib cannot fully retire due to his central role in Russian MMA. He likened Khabib to a living legend whose presence continues to shape the sport. Tarasov suggested that Nurmagomedov would likely stay connected to Makhachev, offering guidance and support from the sidelines rather than stepping away completely.
Tarasov noted that Khabib has given the sport a great deal and that leaving does not carry a negative message. Instead it demonstrates that a champion can transition to other pursuits while still being a cornerstone of the sport. The idea that Khabib has accumulated wealth enough to pursue different ambitions was part of his reasoning, according to the analyst, who stressed that the media may overstate the finality of such moves. In Tarasov’s view, Khabib remains a defining figure in MMA today.
Fedor Emelianenko, another veteran lift, once tested similar waters but did not depart the sport entirely. Islam Makhachev continues to operate with a strong connection to Khabib, and many expect their collaboration to endure. Makhachev’s preparation has often involved Khabib, and the current edge of the sport could allow them to navigate ongoing challenges together. It remains possible that Khabib is taking a pause rather than stepping away for good, perhaps drawn toward other avenues that demand serious attention.
While the reasons behind Khabib’s decision may take time to unfold, family remains a central factor. Nurmagomedov has long valued the chance to be present for his children, a priority he highlighted after his father Abdulmanap’s passing. The decision to pause fighting aligns with personal commitments and the promise he once made to his mother after that loss. The conversation with his former coach Javier Mendes reportedly touched on the desire to spend more moments with his family, a sentiment that resonates with fans and teammates alike.
According to Mendes, the fighter expressed that he wants to embrace fatherhood more fully and that his choice comes from a place of personal clarity. He spoke about informing the team and moving forward with plans that reflect his reasons and priorities. This perspective reinforces the sense that the decision is rooted in family balance and long-term well-being rather than a sudden withdrawal from the sport itself.
Beyond personal reasons, some sources hint at a broader transition that could open new opportunities in business and mentorship. A trusted family friend suggested that Khabib has actively explored ventures that align with his long term goals, comparing potential gains in a different arena with successful entrepreneurs. The friend hinted that a formal announcement could reveal the next chapter for the champion and his broader professional footprint, signaling a careful and strategic shift rather than a complete departure from the MMA family. This direction would reflect a calculated step into leadership within the combat sports ecosystem and beyond.