- Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father and coach Abdulmanap died earlier this month
- His passing lead to rumors that the Russian wrestler had retired from MMA
- Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Khabib Nurmagomedov is not planning to retire after the death of his trainer and father.
Khabib’s manager has dispelled rumors that the undefeated fighter was retiring from the MMA.
Khabib’s father and coach Abdulmanap died at the beginning of the month following complications caused by a coronavirus which led to speculation that the undefeated world champion had retired.
But his manager Ali Abdelaziz dismissed those claims and instead confirmed the ‘heartbroken’ Nurmagomedov will return to action following a period of mourning against the current interim champion by the end of the calendar year.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Abdelaziz, who manages both Khabib and Gaethje, said:
‘Khabib is not retiring. Khabib, you know, he has some goals, he has some things to accomplish.
‘I’m sure Dana’s (White, UFC president) going to let everybody know when is Khabib going to fight.
‘We have a blockbuster main event: (Khabib) versus Justin Gaethje. Two of the best lightweights in the world today in the recent era. ‘We see what Justin Gaethje did to his last opponent. He dismantled Tony Ferguson, he made him look an absolute amateur.’
Asked on when the highly anticipated clash would happen, he said that that decision was to be made by UFC President Dana White.
Khabib last fought in September 2019 in Abu Dhabi, successfully defending his title against Dustin Poirier.
He was due to put his title on the line again in a fight with Tony Ferguson in April but was unable to leave Russia due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
