Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has dropped clues about a possible return to competition. The Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) legend, who has long since retired from active fighting, shared a video on a social platform showing him training on a treadmill. In the caption, he hinted at July as a potential timeframe, noting that this would not be a return to MMA competition. Nurmagomedov has built a new chapter in sports by keeping himself in peak shape and staying connected to athletes around the world through ongoing training and mentorship.
During his MMA career, Nurmagomedov fought 29 times and won every single bout, creating one of the most celebrated undefeated streaks in the sport. His final match came in the fall of 2020 when he defeated American rival Justin Gaethje in a fight that showcased his grappling mastery and relentless pressure. Shortly after that victory, he announced his retirement, explaining that he had promised his late father he would not continue fighting without him by his side. This decision followed the passing of his father in mid-2020, a moment that deeply shaped Nurmagomedov and his path forward. In the years since, he has remained active in the MMA world through leadership and business ventures, including the establishment of the Eagle FC promotion.
Public recognition of Nurmagomedov’s impact on sports has been sustained. A 2021 poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation named him the person of the year in sports, reflecting his influence and popularity beyond the octagon. In March 2022, he earned a place in the UFC Hall of Fame, a ceremonial honor that acknowledged his contributions, adaptability, and enduring legacy within the sport. These accolades continue to affirm his status as one of MMA’s most influential figures, even as he explores new roles inside and outside the arena.
News from the MMA community has occasionally touched on related figures. Anna Danilova, who had previously shared air travel with MMA fighter Alexander Emelianenko, reported observing the athlete resting beside a luggage cart upon arrival at Domodedovo. Then, on April 6, reports emerged of a delayed Yekaterinburg to Moscow flight, attributed to the behavior of Emelianenko Jr. These moments illustrate how tightly connected the sport’s personalities are, with travel, schedules, and personal narratives often becoming part of the broader story surrounding elite fighters and their teams. They also highlight the ongoing public curiosity about the lives and movements of those who have defined modern MMA, even years after their prime competitive years.