Midnight Mania: Coach Khabib Retires Lightweight Old Guard

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It’s been over four years since former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov last competed inside the Octagon. “The Eagle” walked away after his dominant UFC 254 submission win over Justin Gaethje, still on top of the world with an undefeated professional record and trio of title defenses. Since then, UFC CEO Dana White has tried to tempt Nurmagomedov back into the cage, but the Russian has remained firm in his retirement.

Khabib’s finger is still on the pulse of the 155-pound division, however. Nurmagomedov is a coach and training partner of current kingpin Islam Makhachev, as well as the Bellator and PFL Lightweight champions. He’s still involved in the sport, and per Nurmagomedov, it’s about time some of the fighters from his era walked away as well.

Speaking with Henry Cejudo about Poirier’s failed title bid versus Makhachev, Nurmagomedov explained, “I think Poirier have to stop fighting. I think he’s finished. Justin Gaethje, Khabib, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson — this is old school brother. Stop fighting. We have to recognize like relevance.”

Of the four names mentioned, none are particularly surprising. Poirier fought very well against Makhachev, but he still suffered a third title loss and has made it clear his next fight will be his final one. Gaethje, meanwhile, suffered a bad knockout loss at UFC 300 and still has no return date booked. “The Highlight” has always been upfront that he doesn’t intend to stick around forever on account of his high-risk style, so I wouldn’t expect more than a couple bouts more for him either.

As for Tony Ferguson, well … lots of us have been begging “El Cucuy” to walk away for quite some time.

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