UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has predicted that he will retire from MMA in 2021.
The Russian fighter, who is currently unbeaten with a record of 28 wins, returned to the octagon last month and successfully unified the lightweight title against Dustin Poirier.
Nurmagomedov is expected to face either Tony Ferguson or GSP in a "legacy fight" in the coming months after he looked stronger than ever against 'The Diamond'.
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But in a recent interview with Arab News, the 31-year-old has claimed he will only be around for another two years.
He puts his prediction down to a number of things, including up and coming "hungry" MMA fighters.
"I think a couple years. Two or three years, maximum three. I think maybe two years is my opinion," Nurmagomedov said when asked about his future.
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"Because I don't want to fight all my life, because I know it's very hard, and I know a lot of new hungry guys are coming, and I know to always be undefeated, undisputed, this is not almost impossible, I think it's impossible.
"Because you can watch in history, like soccer, boxing, MMA, everywhere, one day you're going to lose.
"You have to know when you need to stop. I think maybe two years.
"But right now I have a couple years to compete. I want to compete with the toughest challengers in the world. Like whatever opponent they give me, I will fight and I'm going to improve my legacy and improve myself. I really want to compete with the best fighters in the world."
According to Khabib's agent, Georges St Pierre is next for the unbeaten Russian.
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Speaking to TMZ, Ali Abdelaziz had some strong words for Ferguson, saying, "Nobody really cares about what Tony says. Nobody gives a sh*t really.
"As far as I know, GSP is next. That is what I want. Tony doesn't get what he wants. We get what Khabib wants, and if Khabib calls me and says he wants Georges St-Pierre, Georges St-Pierre will be next.
"If you're going to compare Tony Ferguson, he beat a whole bunch of guys, but he never been a champion. I'm talking about if Khabib is going to fight for legacy, a fight with Georges St-Pierre will be a huge fight.
"Dana White is a business man. That's why he's the best promoter of all time. I think him and Georges St-Pierre make a lot more money and more headlines. People will care more. It's a fight for who is the greatest of all time."
Who do you think Khabib should fight next?
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Let us know in the comments.
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