Chael Sonnen believes Khabib Nurmagomedov’s weight struggles were ultimately the reason he retired from the UFC.
Nurmagomedov enjoyed a stellar career in the octagon retiring with an undefeated record of 29 wins in MMA without defeat, including 13 during his stint with the UFC.
He retired at the age of just 32 after defending his title for the third time against Justin Gaethje in 2020, with the MMA fraternity disappointed he didn’t continue his career.
‘The Eagle’ insisted his reason for retirement was a promise made to his mother to give up fighting, following the death of his father, mentor and coach Abdulmanap.
But iconic former UFC title challenger Sonnen believes Nurmagomedov was ultimately struggling to cut weight to 155lbs, and decided to end his physical torment.
He said during a detailed breakdown: “The number one reason fighters retire is because they don’t want to make weight anymore.
“Khabib, 29-0, just for example, they would’ve got to 30-0. They were changing the wrong numbers.
“They were adding commas and zeros. They needed to change the weight class.
“You would’ve got Khabib, you’d have got him one more time.
“Khabib retired from the sport because he was done making 155lbs. That’s the truth.
“There’s no difference in Khabib and everybody else. It is the number one reason that guys retire.
“If they would have had one more, sat him down, and really negotiated, and made it 170lbs, you would have seen Khabib fight or at least, you’d have been a lot more likely.”
Nurmagomedov always went through hardship when making weight, and he found it a real challenge to reach the 155lbs limit for his final bow against Gaethje.
The Russian admitted he’d have been more comfortable at an optimum weight of 165lbs, but the weight class didn’t exist.
He never switched weight in his career and didn’t ever receive the opportunity to step up and fight at 170lbs.
Focus for a return fight for Nurmagomedov was largely based on a sequel with bitter rival Conor McGregor.
The showdown was the UFC’s highest-selling event ever and a truly gripping feud, that Dana White wanted to get on for a second time.
He regularly pleaded with Nurmagomedov to get the job done, but it never did materialise.
Last year, the 36-year-old fuelled comeback speculation by posting training footage.
But he categorically poured cold water on any chances of him returning again.
He said: “There is no chance. Not even one per cent. Minus.
“I’m helping my brothers to become champions.
“You guys never gonna miss me because in our team we create champions.
“You guys gonna always have champions, don’t worry about this.”
