From head kicks to penality kicks, former UFC Lightweight champion Khabib appears primed for a soccer debut.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov appears committed to his mixed martial arts (MMA) retirement, but the world of soccer is ripe for the picking.
Nurmagomedov (29-0) has reportedly signed a contract with FC Legion Dynamo, a third-tier team in Russian professional soccer, according to Sun Sport’s Chisanga Malata. A photo of Khabib shaking on a potential deal was posted by an FC Legion Instagram account in the early hours of Friday morning.
Khabib announced his intentions to transition to soccer earlier this year. He previously received a professional soccer contract FC Kamaz, another third-tier Russian team.
Preparing for my football debut ??
I’m free agent, and ready to accept offers.
????????? ? ?????? ?? ??????? ???????, ??? ???????????, ????? ?????????????. https://t.co/V2NlBX5iqD— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 24, 2021
“Preparing for my football debut. I’m [a] free agent,” Khabib tweeted on Jan. 24. “And ready to accept offers.”
Nurmagomedov retired following a successful defense of the 155-pound title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 at “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. “The Eagle” scored a second-round technical submission via triangle choke (watch highlights) on Oct. 24, 2020. Despite UFC President Dana White’s insistence that Nurmagomedov would return, the Dagestan native remains retired with an undefeated record and victories over Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Al Iaquinta, Edson Barboza, Michael Johnson and Rafael dos Anjos, among others.
Look out for “The Eagle” to touch down a soccer field near you.
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