Why Khabib Nurmagomedov Retired: Chael Sonnen Explains

Sports news » Why Khabib Nurmagomedov Retired: Chael Sonnen Explains

Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen has shared his thoughts on the reasons behind Khabib Nurmagomedov`s relatively early retirement from professional fighting.

According to Sonnen, a primary factor in fighters` retirement decisions is the difficulty of weight cutting. He used Khabib as a prime example, suggesting that Nurmagomedov could have easily achieved a 30-0 record if he had continued fighting in the lightweight division. Sonnen believes Khabib wasn`t looking to move to a different weight class simply to extend his win streak.

Sonnen stated, “If you were to ask Khabib if he wants to fight again, I believe his answer would be yes.” He clarified that Nurmagomedov`s departure from the sport stemmed from his inability to consistently cut down to 70 kilograms. Sonnen concluded by emphasizing that this weight-cutting struggle is a common reason for retirement among fighters, not unique to Khabib.

Jasper Blackthorne

Jasper Blackthorne, 41, calls Manchester home while traveling the world pursuing breaking stories in NHL and golf. With his signature in-depth player interviews and behind-the-scenes reporting, he's built a reputation for uncovering the human side of sports.

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