Tyson Fury has praised Russian star Khabib Nurmagomedov for his UFC career in a hint that he could follow the same retirement plan.
The 'Gypsy King' is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Dillian Whyte this year after purse bids resolved negotiations with Frank Warren submitting the winning offer.
Fury has previously hinting at retiring from the sport after completing his goals which involve becoming undisputed champion and facing domestic rival Anthony Joshua.
Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, had a hugely successful career in the lightweight division and retired as an undefeated champion.
Fury has now hinted at following in the former champion's footsteps, tweeting: "This man did it right. Got in & won and got out on top. Big respect Team Khabib!"
Nurmagomedov won the title with victory over Al Iaquinta at UFC 223 in 2018 to become the champion before making a historic defence against Conor McGregor in a mega-money fight.
He submitted the Irish star before making two further defences of his title against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
After taking arguably the biggest challenges remaining to him at lightweight, the Russian star hung up his gloves retiring after his final defence against Gaethje on Fight Island.
Fury hinted at retiring in the aftermath of his recent trilogy victory over Deontay Wilder to make the first defence of his title.
He will now make his next defence against Whyte which has finally been negotiated before potentially challenging the winner of the rematch between Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
That fight would crown the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999
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Fury's wife Paris has previously suggested that a fight with Joshua could be the final step of his career before retiring after their previous bout collapsed.
The 33-year-old has previously spoken about his retirement and believes he has "one more year or so" left in his prime.
“Every good dog has its day. Me being a good dog, my day is nearly over," Fury told iFL TV. "[I’m] 33-years-old and I’ve been through hell and back.
"I’ve ballooned up and down to 28 stone. I’ve been back up and down all my life, I haven’t got a 40-year-old career in me. I’ve got maybe another year or so left, and that’s it. Another couple of fights, and that’s it. I’m out. I’ve got nothing to prove. I’ve got nothing to finalise with anybody.
“All I want to do is enjoy what I’ve done now, and that’s it. Have another couple of fights. I know my dad will be glad to see me walk away after a couple of fights.
“I’ve got a couple of fights left in me. Win, lose, or draw them, you’re going to see a good fight. That’s guaranteed.”
