Khabib Nurmagomedov’s close friend and protege Islam Makhachev reveals that the former UFC champion still misses the game despite retirement from the sport years ago.
Days after Islam Makhachev opened up about his thoughts on life after MMA, the reigning lightweight star has offered fans a revealing insight into his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, admitting that the retired UFC legend still deeply misses the fight game.
In a recent interaction shared by MMA outlet The Fight Fanatic, Makhachev explained that while Khabib is content with his decision to step away from active competition, the former undefeated champion hasn’t fully detached from the grind of training and fight camps. According to Islam, Khabib remains a constant presence within the team, training daily and staying immersed in the sport that defined his career.
“He’s happy, but he misses fighting and fight camps. That’s why he’s always with us. He trains every day, he have house in the village and the city, and both have very good gyms,” Islam Makhachev revealed.
The revelation struck a chord with fans, many of whom have long speculated whether Nurmagomedov ever truly left fighting behind. While Khabib has repeatedly ruled out a return to competition, his ongoing involvement as a coach and mentor to fighters like Makhachev suggests that the fire never completely went out.
Islam’s comments also come at an interesting time, as he recently spoke about his own long-term future in the sport, sparking discussions about legacy, timing, and knowing when to walk away.
Islam Makhachev’s Post UFC-Retirement Plans
Current Welterweight champion Islam recently unraveled his retirement plans and how he envisions life after exiting the Octagon one last time. He admitted owning more than 20 horses but not having the time to take care of them himself. However, post-retirement, he plans to live a low-key life in Dagestan with his horses.
“When I retire, I just want a normal life in Dagestan. I have more than 20 horses right now. I pay people to take care of them. After I retire, I can do it myself — not for money, I just enjoy it,” Islam Makhachev stated.
Islam Makhachev has considered Khabib as his role model and idol since the start of his fighting career. The duo has a lot in common. Based on this pattern, it is safe to assume Islam will also have a hard time spending his life without fighting after retirement. One thing worth mentioning, though, is that the duo has contributed a lot to the game over the years.
