Who has been the toughest retirement in the UFC for Dana White… That is, which fighter’s retirement did White have the toughest time dealing with?
Well, it may or may not come as a surprise that it has been – Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, tragically passed away just three months before Khabib was scheduled to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
“The Eagle” put on a spectacular fight regardless, defeating Gaethje via Triangle Choke in the second round… And falling to tears immediately after, announcing his retirement out of respect to his mother’s wishes.
And, even though he’s been respectful to Nurmagomedov’s decision, Dana White has had a tough time getting to grips with the fact that he has retired.
Here is what the UFC CEO had to share in a conversation with Theo Von:
The toughest retirement for me? Khabib was a tough retirement.
Because usually when it’s time for them (the fighter) to retire, I’m happy for them to retire. It’s over, you’ve accomplished everything you could possibly accomplish, why keep doing it?
I think Khabib had so much more to offer. And so much more to accomplish.
But, I think when his dad passed away, he was done.Plus, he made so much money that he never has to do anything else.
