Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, headlining the Class of 2022.
Nurmagomedov, who abruptly retired from the sport in October 2020 following the tragic passing of his father and head coach Abdulmanap, had his planned induction announced during Saturday’s UFC 272 broadcast.
“The Eagle” retired from MMA competition with a flawless 29-0 record, including a 13-0 run with the UFC that included noteworthy wins over the likes of Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and more.
Nurmagomedov was sitting cageside at UFC 272 while the announcement was made, and he was showered with affection from the likes of UFC president Dana White, his longtime manager, Ali Abdelaziz, pupil Islam Makhachev, and others.
Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates after being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame 👏 pic.twitter.com/SEEO1tNh5j
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 6, 2022
Since retiring from competition, Nurmagomedov has transitioned to the role of coach left behind by his father. He’s been largely successful, helping breed the next generation of talent from Russia and Dagestani.
Moreover, Nurmagomedov has become a fight promoter. He co-owns the Eagle FC organization, which returns next weekend with an event headlined by Kevin Lee vs. Diego Sanchez.
