Dan Hooker isn’t convinced Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away from MMA solely because the latter promised his mother he wouldn’t fight without his late father in his corner.
The former UFC lightweight champion’s father, the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away on July 3, 2020, due to COVID-19 complications.
Later that year, “The Eagle” submitted Justin Gaethje in Round 2 at UFC 254 and announced his decision to walk away from the sport. In 2021, the UFC lightweight championship was officially vacated.
Nurmagomedov retired from the sport undefeated at 29-0, with notable wins over Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Conor McGregor, among others.
Dan Hooker believes Nurmagomedov understood the fight game better than anyone and chose to retire at the perfect time. According to Hooker, if “The Eagle” had kept fighting, someone would have eventually ended his undefeated streak. “The Hangman” told Submission Radio:
“You really think like Khabib’s not fighting because his mom told him not to? He’s smart enough to know the game and the ins and outs of the game, and he went on an incredible run, and he realized maybe that’s the last time I need to roll these dice. I’ve proven everything I need. He’s one of the greatest of all time. He knows in the back of his head that if he keeps rolling those dice, it’s not gonna work out the same way every time.”
Check out Dan Hooker’s comments about Khabib Nurmagomedov below:
Conor McGregor appears to take aim at Khabib Nurmagomedov
In a recent interview with Nate Burleson, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s arch-rival Conor McGregor seemingly took a lighthearted jab at the Russian. The 37-year-old said:
“It takes great courage for a man to rematch a man. That’s why I always have the height of respect for athletes who rematch fighters… Rematches should take place. Usually, one man won’t. And that is a sign of a lack of courage in my eyes.”
Check out Conor McGregor’s comments below:
Reportedly, the UFC brass did everything they could to bring Nurmagomedov out of retirement, and, as per sources, he was even offered around $35M-$40M for a comeback bout. However, the UFC Hall of Famer intends to keep the promise he had made to his mother and is confident that nothing can lure him back to fighting.
A potential Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor 2 is nothing more than a pipe dream at this point. However, the rivalry could reach new heights if McGregor beats Max Holloway at UFC 329 and then moves on to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege, Islam Makhachev.
The Dubliner is game to fight two-division champion and pound-for-pound king Makhachev for the “triple crown.” The Russians’ camp also likes the idea of a potential bout with McGregor down the line.
