It’s been almost three years since Khabib Nurmagomedov ended his career. Recently, there was a timid hope for the return of the Russian fighter, but for this, the UFC bosses will have to fork out for a huge fee.

“That was my last fight”

In 2020, Russian UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov held his last fight, defending his title in a fight against American Justin Gaethje. After that, Orel announced his retirement.

“That was my last fight. I want to thank all the fans. When I started in the UFC, a lot of people didn’t believe (in me). I just wanted to become a champion with my father. I didn’t even think that everything could fall on my shoulders like that. If you have parents, be close to them. I have one parent left, this is my mother. I would like to devote more time to her, ”Khabib said after the fight.

Khabib focused on business development and training work. Recently, Nurmagomedov has distanced himself from these activities. He is no longer even present in Islam Makhachev’s corner during fights.

Khabib Nurmagomedov / Photo: © Handout / Handout / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

He was unaffordable to them

All this time, various figures tried to lure Nurmagomedov into a cage. The fighters also challenged him. Tony Ferguson acted especially diligently, the duel with which did not take place after repeated transfers. But Khabib rejected all emerging options.

On August 21, the famous Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach Craig Jones told the story on the YouTube channel of his B-Team Jiu Jitsu gym on what conditions Khabib was ready to return to martial arts. The podcast talked about a possible opponent for a duel with Canadian Georges St-Pierre under the rules of jiu-jitsu, which is planned as part of the Fight Pass Invitational event on December 14th.

— We talked with the guys from UFC Fight Pass. They asked me to suggest options for potential rivals for Georges. I didn’t know who to call, and in the end I said: “Khabib”. And they answered that Nurmagomedov wanted five million dollars. I’m like, “Wow.” He was beyond their means, but it would be great to see these guys. I’d love to train with them to get a feel for what it’s like,” Jones said.

The next day, a video was released on the PBD Podcast YouTube channel, the hero of which was Khabib himself. There was also talk about returning to martial arts. Nurmagomedov again spoke negatively about this, however, this time the legendary fighter was not so categorical.

– First of all, I left because my mother wanted it that way. I’m not sure about returning. It seems to me that this makes no sense. It makes no sense to me. Of course people want to see it. People want drama, like in a movie with a sequel, but now I’m full,” Nurmagomedov said.

Five million is a serious amount, but Khabib received more. For the fight with Dustin Poirier in the UFC, the Russian was paid as much as six million! The promotion is quite capable of tightening up and finding the necessary money. But, apparently, Dana White and his management do not have a desire yet.

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