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Khabib Nurmagomedov Says He Doesn't 'Have A Lot Of Fights Ahead'

Khabib Nurmagomedov Says He Doesn't 'Have A Lot Of Fights Ahead'

The Russian faces Dustin Poirier next Saturday with the undisputed lightweight title on the line against the interim champion.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed that he could be close to retirement by saying that he doesn't 'have a lot of fights ahead' of him.

Next week Khabib has his latest title defence, and a title unification, with interim champion Dustin Poirier at UFC 242. The fight is just the second defence of his belt won in April last year but the Russian doesn't think they'll be too many more.

Speaking on a conference call on Friday 'the Eagle' was asked when he might retire, with Khabib saying, "Not yet, but I'm not a young fighter. I've already been champion for years. I've already defended my title. This is my second defense. Of course, I don't have a lot of fights ahead, because I don't want to fight when I'm 40 years old. This isn't my plan. We'll see."

"Before I make a decision, I have to talk with my father, I have to talk with coach Javier (Mendez), all my brothers, (management team) Dominance MMA and all the people around me," the Russian added. "I can't make this decision alone. But right now, I'm focused on competition, because I have too much fire inside me."

The undefeated lightweight was meant to face Tony Ferguson for the vacant title at UFC 223 last April but the American pulled out of the fight with an injury, the fourth time the pair have seen their fight scheduled fight collapse.

Khabib was then supposed to fight Michael Chiesa but the American was injured during Conor McGregor's attack on the bus the fighters were on.

It's be Khabib's first fight since beating McGregor. Image: PA Images
It's be Khabib's first fight since beating McGregor. Image: PA Images

After beating Al Iaquinta for the title Nurmagomedov made his first defence last October against McGregor and he's been out since because of the suspension both got for the aftermath.

Poirier won the interim title in April this year by beating Max Holloway and now has the chance to unify the titles when he faces Khabib in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

There are still fights out there for Khabib, many would love to see him have a rematch with McGregor whilst Ferguson is also deserving of a title shot at some point.

Will Khabib continue his undefeated record on Saturday?

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Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, Dustin Poirier, UFC 242, UFC News, MMA News, Tony Ferguson, UFC, MMA, Dana White

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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