Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight Champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has directly challenged statements made by UFC President Dana White regarding the reasons behind his retirement. Nurmagomedov, who stepped away from professional mixed martial arts in 2020 with an undefeated record of 29-0, described White's recent comments as an 'absolute lie'.
White had suggested that Nurmagomedov's decision to retire was partly influenced by the substantial income he was generating from speaking engagements and appearances in Muslim-majority countries. This implication from the head of the mixed martial arts organisation has now been unequivocally rejected by the Dagestani fighter.
In response, Nurmagomedov reiterated that his retirement was a personal decision, made in adherence to a promise he made to his mother following the death of his father and long-time coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He stated that his commitment to his family and his word was the sole driving factor behind stepping away from competition, not financial considerations from external ventures.
Nurmagomedov further clarified that he has never discussed his earnings or financial situation with Dana White. This statement directly contradicts the premise of White's claim, suggesting a significant disconnect or misunderstanding between the former fighter and the UFC president regarding the circumstances of his departure from the sport.
The exchange highlights ongoing discussions surrounding fighter motivations and the financial aspects of professional sports. While athletes' earnings and post-career opportunities are often subjects of public interest, Nurmagomedov's firm denial underscores his perspective on the deeply personal nature of his retirement decision.