“The Media Blows Everything Up”: Khabib Nurmagomedov ‘Is Not’ Leaving MMA Coaching, Per His Close Friend

The former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has recently been in the news after his retirement from all aspects of MMA went viral. After he stopped competing in 2020, Nurmagomedov was coaching his teammates and friends for their respective MMA careers.

But there were many rumors on the internet suggesting that ‘The Eagle’ would retire from coaching as well and leave all of MMA for good. However, it turns out to be partially true, according to a close source related to Nurmagomedov.

Is Khabib Nurmagomedov leaving MMA entirely?

Recently a close friend of Nurmagomedov Shamil Zavurov gave an interview with a Russian media house. In the interview, Zavurov blamed the media for all the retirement buzz. Further on he also clarified that ‘The Eagle’ is not completely leaving the sport.

ALSO READ: Adult Movie Star Kendra Lust Voices Her Support for Sean O’Malley Over Dana White Slapping Incident Remarks

However, Zavurov stated that as Nurmagomedov wants to spend more time with his family, he will limit himself from traveling with the team. “You know that media blows up everything… The team is still there. Nothing has changed. We still support each other the same. It’s just that Khabib will stop going with them all the time.” 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_international_fans)

It is interesting to note that, Nurmagomedov owns an MMA promotion the Eagle FC. And also plays a very important role in his team. Nurmagomedov is also said to be the mastermind behind the success of his teammates this year. Thus, it doesn’t seem like the Russian legend will leave them halfway. Especially Islam Makhachev.

Will Nurmagomedov be in Islam Makhachev’s corner for the Alexander Volkanovski fight?

As aforementioned Nurmagomedov will restrict himself from traveling a lot this year. Thus, per Zavurov, the former UFC champion might not be there in Makhachev’s corner for his fight. However, Zavurov stated that Nurmagomedov will be available all the time on the phone and instruct the UFC lightweight champion.

Islam Makhachev will be defending his lightweight title against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at #UFC284 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/swll3beSHb

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 12, 2022

Under Nurmagomedov’s guidance, Makhachev won the UFC gold by defeating Charles Oliveira. Following that, Team Khabib called out the featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

ALSO READ: “Weird End to a Legendary Run in the Sport”: Fans Left Heartbroken as Khabib Nurmagomedov Leaves MMA Entirely

Now they are set to clash for the lightweight title next. Islam Makhacehv and Alexander Volkanovski are said to headline UFC 284 in Australia next month. Without a doubt, Makhachev is a phenomenal fighter. However, it will be interesting to see him perform with Nurmagomedov in his corner after a long run.

Do you guys think not having Nurmagomedov in his corner will affect Makhachev? What are your thoughts on Zavurov’s statements?