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Khabib Nurmagomedov says he has nothing left to prove now that he’s retiring as the top pound-for-pound fighter at 29-0.
After the latest UFC rankings placed him in the pound-for-pound number one spot, Khabib Nurmagomedov has said his mission in the sport is complete.
Nurmagomedov (29-0) retired from MMA after submitting Justin Gaethje by triangle choke this past weekend at UFC 254. Khabib retired after winning thirteen straight fights in the UFC and defending his lightweight title three times.
Talking to RT Sport after returning to Russia following his recent win, Nurmagomedov said he thinks this is the best time for him to call it quits in MMA.
“Everyone reacts differently. Of course Dana [White] wants me to continue fighting and generate revenue,” Nurmagomedov said. “I can make money myself. I’m at the peak of my career but I made this decision and I think this is the best time for me to make it. (Transcription via MMA Fighting)
“Not everyone can retire at their peak but I know that in a year, two or five, I’d have to face that decision again. I did enough in the sport to be considered the best.”
After defeating a lot of the top contenders at lightweight such as Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, Khabib thinks he has nothing left to prove in the sport. The Russian turned 32 last month and has been fighting professionally since 2008, making his UFC debut back in 2012.
“Today I was ranked the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter so the mission is accomplished,” Nurmagomedov said. “What else is there to do? Make money? I’ll always be able to do that.”