Zlatan Ibrahimovic Teases Khabib’s Comeback, but the Retired Champion Sets the Record Straight
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, renowned for his undefeated record of 29-0, officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts following a second-round technical submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Nurmagomedov swiftly became one of the sport’s top mentors.
However, he recently stepped back from coaching to prioritize spending more time with his family. Amidst rumors and speculations about a potential comeback, Khabib took to social media to confirm that he won’t be participating in UFC’s upcoming landmark show, UFC 300, or any future events. This statement came as a response to football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whom Khabib encountered during AC Milan’s recent victory over Serie A rivals Roma.
The two sports icons had previously been pictured together at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, fostering a friendly relationship with Paul Pogba and Novak Djokovic also in attendance. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his charismatic and outspoken nature, added fuel to the comeback rumors when he shared a photo with Khabib on Instagram, playfully captioning it “UFC 300.”
The post quickly garnered attention from fans, stirring excitement about the possibility of Khabib’s return. However, the retired MMA star promptly shut down any such speculations, emphasizing his commitment to staying retired from the sport. Despite the banter between the two icons, Khabib’s focus remains on family and life after an illustrious career in the octagon.
