Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks it’s time for various UFC lightweights to call it a career.
Nurmagomedov specifically pointed out former foe Dustin Poirier, who’s coming off a title loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June. Nurmagomedov also holds a win over Poirier, submitting him in their Septemeber 2019 title fight at UFC 242.
Although Nurmagomedov watched Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) put up a solid effort against his protoge Makhachev, “The Eagle” had some harsh advice for him and other top lightweight contenders.
“I think Poirier can beat Charles (Oliveira), and I think Poirier has to stop fighting. He’s finished,” Nurmagomedov said on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast. “Justin Gaethje, Khabib, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson. This is old school, brother. Stop fighting. We have to recognize the real things.”
Poirier teased one more fight before hanging up his gloves. UFC CEO Dana White also recently confirmed that the promotion is currently working on his potential retirement fight.
Nurmagomedov’s words shouldn’t come as a surprise. The former undefeated UFC lightweight champion walked away early in many people’s minds after he notched his third title defense against Justin Gaethje in October 2020. Nurmagomedov made a promise to his mother that he would no longer compete without his late father in his corner. He was only 32 when he retired.
