Khabib Nurmagomedov explains decision to keep his children away from MMA: 'They don't need to fight'

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in October 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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One of the biggest names in the history of MMA, Khabib Nurmagomedov surprised the world again, but this time with a decision outside the octagon. After achieving everything a fighter could hope for, the Russian recently announced on his official YouTube channel that he will not allow his children to follow the path he took in the sport.

“No martial arts. They have to be strong, but no competitions. I know how to fight, I will protect them. They don’t need to fight,” he said on his YouTube channel.

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Khabib's decision to keep his sons away from MMA has deep roots, especially in his relationship with his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who in addition to being his coach, was a fundamental figure in shaping the legacy of Dagestan fighters.

Abdulmanap not only mentored Khabib, but also trained other MMA champions such as Islam makhachev, current UFC lightweight champion, and Usman Nurmagomedov, Bellator belt holder. The nickname 'Father's Plan', which Khabib popularized over the years, refers to the respect and absolute trust in the work of his father, who always had a clear vision of how to create champions without giving up principles.

Everything changed for Khabib after his father's death

With the death of Abdulmanap, a victim of complications from Covid-19 in 2020, Khabib made a radical decision. In UFC 254, the Russian said goodbye to his career with a victory over Justin gaethje after submission in the second round, and announced that he would not return to the octagon.

Khabib has always made it clear that although MMA has been his life, he does not want his children to face the same sacrifices and challenges that he did. For him, life in the sport, with its ups and downs, is something that should be kept away from the next generation.

Himself, after conquering everything he could in the UFC — including the biggest pay-per-view in the organization's history, when he defeated Conor McGregor in 2018 — he stepped away from fighting and chose to focus on his other projects, such as training new fighters and managing his gym.