Fans are convinced Khabib Nurmagomedov could weigh as much as 240lb following his retirement from the UFC - and have joked he could rematch Conor McGregor at heavyweight.
Nurmagomedov is considered one of the most dominant 155lb fighters in the history of the promotion having retired as an undefeated champion. Nurmagomedov called time on his career in October 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje in his final title defence, to focus on coaching new 155lb champion Islam Makhachev.
Since confirming his stint in the octagon was over, Nurmagomedov has been sporting a much larger physique which has been on display while working for his new MMA promotion Eagle FC. After a new picture of the retired former champion emerged while sat cageside at an MMA event, fans began to debate how much he currently weighs.
One wrote: "Considering he used to cut down from 185-190lb, 210lb is honestly a decent weight for him." Another agreed: "Don't think people realise how big he was in his prime, in shape. I’d say 180lb minimum more like 200lb. Now? 220-240lb minimum - good on the lad eat those burgers son."
One fan pointed out his protege Makhachev's previous comments, writing: "Islam said in an interview that Khabib is still training very often, he just eats much much more than before. I mean, dude was maintaining his weight his whole life, now that he is retired I think he deserves that calorie surplus." Another agreed: "I’d honestly say anywhere from 190-210lb. But he’s not training anymore and he’s enjoying retirement so who cares."
Another imagined Nurmagomedov at a higher fighting weight, adding: "Can you imagine one of the world’s best grapplers having those extra pounds and just laying on you damn." While one proposed a rematch with Conor McGregor who has also piled on weight, concluding: "He weighs the same as Conor. Khabib vs Conor at heavyweight."
Would you like to see Khabib Nurmagomedov return to the UFC? Let us know in the comments section below
Nurmagomedov is certainly showing off a new look since his retirement, which appears to signal that he will not consider any move to return to the UFC. The promotion's kingpin Dana White made multiple offers for the Russian to return including a potential second meeting with McGregor, but he politely declined to focus on coaching Makhachev.
While working as a cornerman for Makhachev's win over Bobby Green last February, Nurmagomedov even revealed his protege's rival noticed his weight but he laughed off concerns regarding his recent weight gain. “He came to me, he came too close and said ‘Hey, you was lightweight?’" Nurmagomedov told ESPN. "Something like this.
“Of course, now I’m big because I’m now like almost two years I’m finished with fights, you know. And I try to enjoy. I try to enjoy. But every day I train, I spend time with the guys, why do I have to be a lightweight? I'm finished.”
