Khabib Nurmagomedov fully intended to keep fighting, until tragedy struck.<\/p>\n
Back in 2020, Nurmagomedov was the UFC lightweight champion, and scheduled to finally fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. But the fight was not to be as the COVID pandemic hit the world. The fight was cancelled and tragically, a few months later, Nurmagomedov\u2019s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away at the age of 57 due to complications from the coronavirus.<\/p>\n
Understandably, Abdulmanap\u2019s passing hit Nurmagomedov hard and it was an open question whether or not Nurmagomedov would even fight again after losing his father and coach. And in a recent media appearance in Chicago (h\/t S Khalil on YouTube<\/a>), \u201cThe Eagle\u201d delved into that time in his life.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was not only mother, it was all situation that happened, everything coming together,\u201d Nurmagomedov said. \u201cI saw a lot of rumors why I retired, because of that, because of this, and I think if my father still alive, he would make me fight a little bit longer, because I just turned 32 when I finished.<\/p>\n \u201cBut he passed away and it was a very honest and good conversation with [my mother]. It\u2019s hard to explain. Everything happened so fast. Everything was happening so fast, even when father passed away, I don\u2019t even have time to think what I have to do because they make interim title, Justin Gaethje-Tony Ferguson, father passed away, and UFC told me, \u2018We\u2019re going to give you one month off. After one month, come back to us with what you\u2019re going to do.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a very difficult situation. From one side, it was all world waiting for this fight. On the other side, I had this deal, what happened with me and father and mother on the other side, and I chose what mother wished. \u201d<\/p>\n Ultimately, Nurmagomedov fought just once more, defending his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 that October. After his victory, Nurmagomedov collapsed in the cage, overcome with emotion, and announced his exit from MMA. And looking back on it, he still struggles to explain how he was able to perform despite the circumstances.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was not easy, to be honest,\u201d Nurmagomedov said. \u201cIt was not easy. It was very, very difficult, but I survived. Like father told me long time ago, you know how people make diamonds? It\u2019s under very high pressure. You need very high pressure to make diamonds. And it was very high pressure. It was very deep pressure. But it is what it is. I think I did not quit.\u201d<\/p>\n Roundtable. The MMA Fighting looks ahead to UFC 322\u2019s titanic title fights and how they could end up shaping history<\/a>.<\/p>\n No doubt. Gabriel Bonfim doesn\u2019t think there\u2019s any controversy regarding his knockout<\/a> of Randy Brown.<\/p>\n Deep. Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber peel back the curtain behind their years-long feud<\/a>.<\/p>\n Barf. Check out Ricky Simon\u2019s gnarly chin after it was busted open<\/a> at UFC Vegas 111. Discretion strongly advised.<\/p>\n Boxing. Video: Andrei Arlovski brutally knocks out<\/a> Kelz in Misfits Boxing debut.<\/p>\n Low Blow. Luke Rockhold downplays Kevin Holland being hit in the groin at UFC Vancouver: \u2018It doesn\u2019t hurt that bad.\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n Submission Radio\u2019s pros picks for UFC 322.<\/p>\n Gaethje and DC, golfin\u2019 and goofin\u2019.<\/p>\n Get in the flow with KenFlo.<\/p>\n Grade Josh Hokit\u2019s post-fight promo.<\/p>\n ICYMI (and a lot of you probably did)<\/p>\n On To the Next One. MMA Fighting\u2019s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee figure out what\u2019s next for UFC Vegas 111\u2019s big winners after a fine, but forgettable card.<\/p>\n SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE<\/p>\n Khabib really is one of the few guys in recent years to carry this sort of weight.<\/p>\n It\u2019s always the ones closest to you.<\/p>\n Charles Jourdain carrying that water.<\/p>\n Matheus Camilo (9-3) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (8-6-1); UFC 322, Nov. 15<\/p>\n Marcus Buchecha (5-2) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (14-6); UFC Vegas 112, Dec. 13<\/p>\n Melquizael Costa (24-7) vs. Morgan Charriere (21-11-1); UFC Vegas 112, Dec. 13<\/p>\n Man, I am PUMPED for UFC 322 this weekend. On paper, this is the best card since 300. This is a full-blown 3 Meshewlin Star card. Let\u2019s enjoy Fight Week.<\/p>\n If you find something you\u2019d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee<\/a> or @JedKMeshew<\/a> on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, and like us on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n