Dana White brings up Khabib Nurmagomedov when talking about who the MMA GOAT is. (GETTY Images)
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA undefeated in his career
Dana White has opened up on who could be considered as the greatest fighter of all time. The UFC has seen some incredible performers over the years and Khabib Nurmagomedov is considered one of them.
The Russian retired with a 29-0 record and held the UFC Lightweight gold. White was asked to pick his greatest fighter ever and told on an episode of The Fight with Teddy Atlas how difficult it was (h/t Mirror):
“Chuck Liddell and Ronda Rousey are two people who really helped build this business, you know, super loyal.
“Right now, I think Kamaru Usman is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world, what he’s accomplished in the past few years is amazing…
“I think Khabib Nurmagomedov probably could be called the greatest ever, who knows, if he’d stuck around longer.
“It was unfortunate, the passing of his father.”
The Russian’s last outing was against Justin Gaethje. Khabib defended his title and broke down. He immediately retired from the sport and claimed that his mother wanted him to stop fighting.
Furthermore, Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap, also passed away in 2020 due to heart complications from Covid-19.
This also took a huge toll on Khabib and his father was his coach also. The Russian defended his title thrice but there are others who have had more title fights than Khabib.
Khabib, however, has not given up the fight game. He might be retired from the Octagon but he still takes time to train others.
He also owns his MMA promotion called Eagle FC and they have signed some former UFC stars as well.
Khabib also did a lot of great things outside of the Octagon, and that is one reason why he is considered as a GOAT.
The Russian is a role model for youngsters but it is unlikely he will return to the Octagon ever.
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