Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated the likes of LeBron James, Dustin Johnson and boxer Kaite Taylor to emerge winner of the BBC sports’ personality of the year.
Khabib made an impression during his career as a mixed martial artist. The 32-year-old enjoyed a winning streak of 29 fights.
After beating Justin Gaethje in his last fight, the Russian explained that that was his last battle claiming that the death of his father won’t allow him to continue.
Khabib’s father was his mentor and coach and really helped his professional career as he also witnessed all the fights his son had except the last one against Gaethje.
His father Abdulmanap died following complications from COVID-19 and his death was a painful one for the 32-year-old star.
However, UFC president Dana White said he could convince Khabib Nurmagomedov to come out of retirement and return to the Octagon.
White told BT Sport: ‘I think his dad wanting him to get to 30-0 is in the back of his mind and he wants to achieve that because he knew his father wanted it.
‘But we’ll see. He and I are going to get together next month and talk.
‘He might not, maybe he won’t fight. I don’t know the answer to that. But I’m a little confident I can talk him into it.’
Nurmagomedov made his professional MMA debut in September 2008 and compiled four wins in under a month which was an incredible one.
On 11 October, he became the inaugural Atrium Cup tournament champion having defeated his three opponents at the Moscow event.
