UFC legend Chael Sonnen has offered his perspective on why Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated former lightweight champion, decided to retire from mixed martial arts.
While retirements in MMA are often temporary, with many fighters returning to the sport, Nurmagomedov`s retirement in 2020 at the peak of his career seems different. After achieving a 29-0 record and successfully defending his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, he announced his departure.
Following his victory, Nurmagomedov stated that he was fulfilling a promise to his mother. She wished him to retire after the tragic loss of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who was also his mentor and coach.
However, Chael Sonnen believes there`s a different primary reason for Nurmagomedov`s decision to step away from MMA.
Chael Sonnen Explains Why Fighters Like Khabib Nurmagomedov Retire
Sonnen, a well-known UFC analyst and former title challenger in two weight divisions, suggests that Nurmagomedov`s retirement was primarily due to the difficulties he faced with weight cutting.
Throughout his career, Nurmagomedov struggled to reach the 155-pound lightweight limit. He missed weight once in the UFC and reportedly had a challenging weight cut before his final fight against Justin Gaethje.
On his YouTube channel, Sonnen stated, “The number one reason fighters retire is because they don’t want to make weight anymore.”
Sonnen elaborated, mentioning Nurmagomedov`s perfect 29-0 record and the anticipation of him reaching 30-0. He implied that instead of focusing on extending his win streak, perhaps Nurmagomedov needed to consider moving to a different weight class.
Chael Sonnen: Khabib Nurmagomedov Was `Done Making 155lbs`
Sonnen pointed out the significant 15-pound gap between the lightweight and welterweight divisions, unlike the more typical 10-pound difference between weight classes. He speculated that Nurmagomedov`s ideal fighting weight might be around 165lbs, a weight class that doesn`t exist in the UFC.
Sonnen argued that if Nurmagomedov had moved up in weight, he could have continued fighting and potentially achieved even more.
“Khabib retired from the sport because he was done making 155 lbs. That’s the truth,” Sonnen asserted.
He concluded by saying that weight cutting is a major factor in fighter retirements, affecting Nurmagomedov just as it does many others. Sonnen described weight cutting not just as a part of the sport, but as a demanding lifestyle that fighters endure.
Sonnen believes that after 29 professional fights, Khabib Nurmagomedov had simply had enough of this grueling process.
