'I don't like this'… Khabib Nurmagomedov admits he doesn't enjoy coaching career despite historic success
12/27/2024 02:30 PM
Khabib Nurmagomedov is blatantly honest about how he feels about coaching some of the top fighters in Mixed Martial Arts following his Hall of Fame career.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is weeks away from what will likely be one of the busiest nights of his life. At UFC 311, his cousin Umar will battle Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight belt in the co-main, and his top protege Islam Makhachev headlines the card in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan.
Since walking away from fighting in 2020, Nurmagomedov has turned his full-time attention towards advising some of the top names in MMA. From up-and-comers to established elites like Makhachev and Umar, Nurmagomedov’s influence as a coach is unquestionable.
But even the all-time greats like Nurmagomedov get burnt out from the constant grind associated with MMA, particularly as a leader of men.
Khabib Nurmagomedov makes strong admission about coaching fighters
During Demetrious Johnson’s training session with Nurmagomedov and his team, Johnson asked Nurmagomedov whether or not he enjoys coaching.
“No, I don’t like this [stress],” Nurmagomedov said. “But I have to be here it’s going to be a big night for us on January 18th. Umar for the title, Islam defends his belt.
“I have to be here, but I don’t like it. 40 days [of camp], I don’t like this.”
Nurmagomedov’s admissions are despite a quick ascent to the top of the coaching ranks in modern MMA. Top names like UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad have worked under the tutelage of Nurmagomedov and have recorded some of the best results of their careers in the cage.
Coach Khabib is slated for a long night at UFC 311
Nurmagomedov embraced the grind during his undefeated fighting career, defeating the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier. He walked away following a win over Gaethje to fulfill a promise to his mother to retire after the tragic death of his father.
Several UFC legends have transitioned full-time to coaching after ending their fighting tenures. Mike Brown and Matt Serra quickly rose the coaching ranks after hanging up their gloves.
Nurmagomedov works alongside his longtime coach, Javier Mendez, to advise some of the top Dagestani fighters. Mendez coached Nurmagomedov during his UFC Hall of Fame career at American Kickboxing Academy in California.
Nurmagomedov is fighting a new challenge of attrition at this stage of his life. Ahead of what should be an eventful night at UFC 311, Nurmagomedov is ready for a break after the upcoming coaching job is complete.
- READ MORE:Brock Lesnar went to crazy lengths to avoid 'jitters' in UFC debut: 'It's a different game'
