According to the head of the world’s strongest league, the decision of undefeated Russian fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov to end his professional career was a big blow to him.
“Was there a fighter who ended his career and it broke my heart?” the UFC chief said in an interview with Theo Vaughn. “Yeah, it’s Khabib. Usually I’m happy to see a fighter leave after accomplishing everything he could, but his retirement was the hardest for me because I’m sure – he had so much more to offer and do, but with the death of his father he lost interest in fighting and his career was over. Plus, he made so much money that he may never work again.”
In October 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov, 35, earned his thirteenth consecutive victory under the UFC banner by successfully unifying the current and interim lightweight titles against Justin Gaethje before announcing the end of his professional career.
However, the Russian remained the reigning champion of the league for several more months, as the management hoped to organize his rematch with Conor McGregor, however, the Irishman’s defeat in a fight against Dustin Porier forced the UFC to abandon this plan.