Khabib Nurmagomedov is back in the gym training MMA – but it’s not as easy as it used to be.
The former UFC lightweight champion beat world-class fighters, including Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, to dominate the sport with a 29-0 record.
Nurmagomedov retired with a perfect record, which is unheard of in MMACredit: Getty Images – Getty
Nurmagomedov walked away at the top of his game after choking out Justin Gaethje in two rounds at UFC 254 in October 2020.
‘The Eagle’ has appeared to be content in retirement. Until recently, he didn’t really train and had distanced himself from MMA entirely by walking away from his coaching career.
In 2024, he’s been posting footage of his intense training sessions on social media, and fans are getting excited about him potentially making a comeback.
The 35-year-old is currently in the USA and working out at his old gym.
American Kickboxing Academy is the home of current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev as well as former titleholders Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez and Luke Rockhold.
On Friday, he shared a picture that suggested he’s no longer having things all his own way.
Nurmagomedov showed off his bruised eye on Instagram and added a hilarious caption, which read: “Does it mean that I’m getting older?”
UFC fans quickly began reposting the photo and joking about it being the most banged up the Russian has ever been from fighting.
One fan said: “Never saw him with a black eye.”
Another added: “I have never seen Khabib with that much damage in a fight, ever!”
Khabib is a bit banged up from trainingCredit: @khabib_nurmagomedov – instagram
Most fans have never seen him with a black eyeCredit: @khabib_nurmagomedov – instagram
Someone else commented: “How did that even happen lol”
The black eye didn’t seem to bother Khabib as he was back on the AKA mat the very next day.
Although a return to the UFC doesn’t seem to be on the cards, Nurmagomedov has recently reignited his old rivalries with McGregor and Tony Ferguson.
‘El Cucuy’ has been trading verbal blows with Khabib online, and McGregor is yet to respond to the man who beat him in 2018 reflecting on their post-fight brawl.
It certainly seems like Nurmagomedov has got some fight left in him.
Maybe UFC boss Dana White could convince him to have one more scrap in the Octagon.