Ali Abdelaziz has responded to widespread reports the UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will stick to his retirement plans.<\/p>\n
Nurmagomedov announced his retirement after he elevated his pro record to 29-0 with a submission of Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 last month. Despite that retirement announcement, UFC President Dana White has been adamant that Nurmagomedov will fight again.<\/p>\n
\u201c100 percent. I think there\u2019s a good chance he does (come back),\u201d White told\u00a0TMZ Sports recently<\/a>. \u201cHis father wanted him to go 30-0. Super emotional after that last fight. He\u2019d been through a ton of sh*t. I think he will. Like I said, nothing\u2019s done, but if I had to make a bet, and I am a betting man, I would bet that he does.\u201d<\/p>\n Nurmagomedov, however, has since gone on record<\/a> asserting that he no longer has a desire to compete, and that he intends to focus on other things.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can fight until you\u2019re 40 but there should be a goal,\u201d Khabib said this week (via\u00a0RT Sport<\/a>). \u201cI had a goal to reach the summit and I got there. Further, I have no competitive interest. Next year I will graduate. I\u2019d like to (build on) my thesis, do a masters course, dedicate more time to studying. I\u2019ve bought sheep, I tend to my farm. I\u2019d like to develop in this field a little. I have the bull calves out to feed, I have cows.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to take part in a place where I can bring a benefit,\u201d Khabib added. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be big politics. Right now I can bring a benefit without being a politician, and that\u2019s enough for me.\u201d<\/p>\n While these comments from Nurmagomedov seem pretty cut and dry, his manager Ali Abdelaziz has called the resulting reports “fake news.”<\/p>\n Fake news https:\/\/t.co\/j7Tg9kYDa1<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) November 19, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n