Is Khabib Nurmagomedov making a UFC return?
March 25, 2021
- MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is not returning as a fighter.
- He will be coming back as Luke Rockhold's coach.
- Khabib retired following his win over Justin Gaethje last year.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), however, it will be in a different role — not as a fighter.
The former UFC champion is reportedly expected to embark on a coaching career in the sport, with his first assignment being with former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold.
Rockhold has not fought since being knocked out by Jan Błachowicz in 2019. His comeback campaign will see Khabib in his corner, which can be a frequent sight inside the Octagon from here on.
"He's (Khabib) assuming this coaching role now," Rockhold is quoted as saying by TMZ. "He wants to be a big part of my comeback."
Rockhold and Khabib are both members of the American Kickboxing Academy — a martial arts gym based in San Jose, California.
It is pertinent to mention here that Khabib gave up the sport following his win over Justin Gaethje last year citing the grief from the loss of his father and a promise made to his mother.
