While Nurmagomedov is looking forward to the upcoming title bout, another thing the champion could be looking at is retirement.
“Good question,” Nurmagomedov said during a UFC 242 conference call (via Nolan King of MMA Junkie). “Not yet, but I’m not a young fighter. I’ve already been champion for years. I’ve already defended my title. This is my second defense. Of course, I don’t have a lot of fights ahead, because I don’t want to fight when I’m 40 years old. This isn’t my plan. We’ll see.”
Nurmagomedov has been a professional MMA fighter for nearly twelve years and holds a record of 27-0-0.
The champion has built a good team that he plans to consult when it comes to a decision about retirement.
“Before I make a decision, I have to talk with my father, I have to talk with coach Javier (Mendez), all my brothers, (management team) Dominance MMA and all the people around me,” Nurmagomedov said. “I can’t make this decision alone. But right now, I’m focused on competition, because I have too much fire inside me.”
UFC 242 takes place on Saturday, September 7 from The Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
