Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has transitioned into a successful coaching career following his retirement, is preparing for his final stint in the coaching world. With UFC 311 around the corner, Nurmagomedov is set to corner his fighters Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov in their respective bouts. However, the iconic fighter turned coach is already looking toward the end of his coaching journey.
Khabib revealed his plans to retire from coaching once his key fighters finish their careers. “When these guys finish, I’m going to finish,” he told ESPN. His coaching career has been highly successful, with his team—comprising fighters such as Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and others—dominating the MMA scene over the past eight years.
Although he has led his fighters to numerous championships and undefeated records, Khabib admitted that coaching has been a heavy burden. “It’s a very, very big responsibility,” he shared, echoing the weight of the role his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, once carried. Since his father’s passing in 2020, Khabib has taken up the mantle of training his fighters with the same discipline and dedication that led him to a perfect 29-0 record in the UFC.
As UFC 311 approaches, Khabib is determined to guide his fighters to victory. Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan, while Umar Nurmagomedov will compete for the UFC bantamweight title. Despite his success, Khabib remains focused on the future and expressed his intention to step away from the sport once his fighters retire.
This UFC 311 event could mark a turning point for Khabib’s legacy, as it may be one of his last appearances as a coach in the octagon. While fans will continue to watch his coaching prowess in action, it seems that Khabib’s next chapter will be away from the cage.
As UFC 311 unfolds, Khabib’s coaching legacy will be on full display, and we’ll see if his fighters can continue his undefeated streak.
