"Three months is not enough for fighters to prepare. I'll be 37 in the next two months. If I were to return, I'd need at least six months," the Spanish newspaper Marca quoted Khabib as saying on 25/7.
According to the Russian legend, in addition to physical conditioning, MMA fighters need to train in Muay Thai, grappling, clinch fighting, boxing, and kickboxing before stepping into the octagon.
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Khabib (left) throws a punch during his victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in 10/2018. *Zuffa LLC* |
Khabib added that outward appearance doesn't reflect fighting ability. "There are people without abs who can grapple for 25 minutes, while those with perfect physiques can only last three," the 36-year-old former fighter said.
Since retiring in 10/2020 with a perfect 29-0 record, Khabib has maintained a daily training regimen, particularly grappling and wrestling with teammates. "I've only sparred a few times since retiring, and haven't put on gloves again. But I still wrestle every day. I even travel with a training partner for grappling," he said.
Khabib abruptly retired at 32 after the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He promised his mother he would never fight again without his father in his corner. Since then, the UFC has offered lucrative fights, including a super-fight with Georges St-Pierre, but Khabib has remained steadfast. "I promised my mother, and I can't break that promise," he emphasized.
Now, Khabib dedicates his time to coaching. Under his guidance, several Dagestani fighters have risen to global prominence, including Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, and Usman Nurmagomedov, the PFL champion.
"Until I retired, I trained every day," Khabib stated. "No parties, no travel, no rest. Even when sick. If I took two consecutive days off, I'd panic." This disciplined mindset was instilled by his father, which Khabib now aims to pass on to the next generation.
Khabib competed in MMA from 2008, winning all 29 of his fights, including 13 in the UFC. The Russian fighter won the UFC lightweight title in 2018 by defeating American Al Iaquinta. He then successfully defended the title three times against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. The Khabib-McGregor fight at UFC 229 is considered one of the most intense in UFC history.
Khabib concluded his career with a flawless 29-0 record, unprecedented in UFC lightweight history. UFC President Dana White hailed him as the greatest fighter the organization has ever seen. In 2022, Khabib was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest in MMA history.
Hong Duy (*Marca*)
