Khabib Nurmagomedov was just one victory away from capturing gold in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division. The plans for his return are on hold, however, as Nurmagomedov is making his way to Germany for a complete physical.
Nurmagomedov was forced to pull out of his championship bout with Tony Ferguson at “UFC 209” after weight-cut difficulties sent him to the hospital. Nurmagomedov failed to go through the proper channels, going over the UFC officials’ heads and going to a local hospital to get treated. Now, head coach Javier Mendez is saying early retirement could be a possibility of an early retirement for Nurmagomedov if his father decides. Mendez told Submission Radio:
“Being that his father, like I said, is a huge influence on him and if that’s what him and his father decide to do then that’s what will happen. And I support it if that’s what they want. But you know, time will tell, right? I mean, he first has to get that title and I think that’s a very important thing in his life, and I would think if his body is not 100 percent healthy and his mind is the way it’s always been, like wanting to be the best, then it may be longer than 30 because of the fact that things like this happen – delays, injuries, he gets injured, his opponent gets injured. But I see it potentially happening if that’s what they wish.”
