Khabib Nurmagomedov, the Russian mixed martial arts star who once reigned as UFC champion, recently shared reflections on life after stepping away from professional competition during a candid chat with the Inspire Me Podcast on YouTube. He described the transition as a dramatic shift in daily life, one that altered the careful balance of training, nutrition, sleep, and rest that defined his athletic years, and he framed retirement as a release rather than a surrender to ordinary routines. The words carry the weight of a career spent chasing perfection and the sudden freedom that follows the end of a long, demanding era. [Source: Inspire Me Podcast]
Nurmagomedov confirmed that his final bout occurred in the autumn of 2020, a victory over American challenger Justin Gaethje that sealed his undefeated slate inside the UFC octagon. In the wake of that win, he stated his retirement, citing a promise to his mother that he would not continue fighting in the absence of his father and mentor. In the years since, he has pursued new ventures while continuing to influence the sport from a managerial and mentorship angle, founding Eagle FC and guiding a brand that reflects his disciplined, no-nonsense approach to combat sports. [Source: Inspire Me Podcast]
Across 29 professional MMA bouts, Nurmagomedov collected an unblemished record that remains a benchmark for fans and competitors alike. His influence extended beyond wins and losses; in 2021, a national poll named him sports person of the year, underscoring his impact on and off the mat. Then, in late October 2023, he announced stepping back from all fighting-related activities, signaling a full pivot toward other interests and responsibilities away from competition. The period has seen him transition into roles that emphasize strategy, coaching, and the broader development of fighters under his influence. [Source: Inspire Me Podcast]
The financial and business side of his post-competition life has attracted attention as well. Reports emerged in July of this year that tax authorities in Russia seized accounts linked to Nurmagomedov amid a reported debt, followed by notifications of closures affecting several of his companies due to documentation issues. Later updates suggested that the outstanding obligations were resolved, with several accounts restored and the path forward clarified for his professional endeavors in boxing, promotion, and athlete development. [Sources: Mash Telegram, WITHDRAWN Telegram]
Beyond the headlines, Nurmagomedov has remained a public figure connected to the sport through personal philosophy, training methods, and a reputation for principled decision-making. The public narrative surrounding his career—its triumphs, its controversies, and its evolution into a business and mentoring role—continues to be a point of interest for fans, analysts, and aspiring fighters who study his approach to discipline, preparation, and leadership. His ongoing journey illustrates how a legendary athlete can reinvent himself while preserving the core ethos that defined his time inside the cage. [Source: Inspire Me Podcast]