Khabib Nurmagomedov advises former rivals to retire: 'We need to recognize it'

K. Nurmagomedov (photo) has been retired from MMA since October 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @khabib_nurmagomev

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Retired since October 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov believes the time has come for former rivals to follow in their footsteps and hang up their gloves.

In a recent interview with the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast Henry Cejudo, the former UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) commented on the planning for his retirement fight Dustin poirier, indicated Charles of the Bronx as the ideal opponent for the 'Diamond' and listed some other rivals who should follow the same path towards retirement.

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“I think Poirier can beat Charles Oliveira and then he has to stop fighting. He’s finished. Justin gaethje, Khabib, Dustin poirier, Tony Ferguson. This is old school, brother. Stop fighting. We need to acknowledge the truth,” the Russian said.

Considered by many to be the greatest lightweight in the organization's history, Khabib Nurmagomedov He was champion between April 2018 and October 2020, when he equaled the record for most belt defenses in the category and soon after announced his retirement at the age of 32 due to the death of his father and a promise he had made to his mother. Since then, the Russian has stood out as one of the best fighters of the moment, being the main mentor of the current champion of the division Islam makhachev.