Khabib Nurmagomedov Compares Fighting In UFC To A Prison

Khabib Nurmagomedov will always be regarded as one of the best UFC fighters to have competed in the MMA world. Khabib ended his career after his match against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in 2020.

Since then there had been a lot of speculation regarding him returning to the UFC as he was still undefeated, with many believing he would come back to make his record an impressive 30-0. However, Dana White had confirmed back in March that the Russian fighter has retired for good.

While speaking to UFC Russia, Khabib stated that the life of a professional athlete is similar to living in prison and implies that he is glad he is no longer competing in the UFC.

“I am living the life of an ordinary person, not the one of a professional athlete…I think living the life of an athlete is somewhat close to being held in a prison. Because every day he has to do exactly the same thing — train, rest, then train again, then rest. It’s like living in the same mode, at the same pace, not slowing down…Once you slow down, you are no longer a champion. So I have just released myself from this prison in a way.”

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Khabib had previously stated that he has no interest in continuing his career for money fights. Since his retirement he has been focused on his own fighting promotion Eagle Fighting Championship, but won’t be competing there. However, it is to be noted that Khabib does miss fighting in the UFC as well.