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5 things that could have happened if Khabib actually retired in 2014!
“It was a very hard time, and I remember I was talking with my father, ‘Maybe this is a signal from God you have to stop.’ He told me, ‘You cannot give up. When you have some test you have to show your toughness if you’re tough. If you’re not tough you just can give up, and that’s it,” Nurmagomedov said on the Inspire Me Podcast.
So, what would have happened if Nurmagomedov actually retired in 2014?
Check out Frontkick’s counterfactual analysis here!
1. Poirier could have ruled the lightweight division
Dustin Poirier migh fight Islam Makhachev next. Phto via YouTube
Dustin Poirier is arguably the best lightweight to never win the undisputed UFC title. If Nurmagomedov would have retired in 2014, ”The Diamond” would most likely win the belt and probably defend it quite a few times too.
Back in 2014, when Khabib contemplated retirement, Poirier was still fighting at featherweight and was just about to move up to lightweight for his divisional debut in the UFC.
When Poirier in fact faced Nurmagomedov in 2019, there was probably no other lightweight in the world who would have beaten him.
2. Makhachev could have a hard time getting through
Islam Makhachev. Photo: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
Becoming a champion and a global superstar, Khabib paved the way for many fighters from Dagestan, including reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev was hyped by Nurmagomedov and MMA experts like Daniel Cormier, claiming he was the heir to the lightweight throne.
Sure, Makhachev is more than capable of standing on his own legs as a fighter, but his career was definitely helped by his friend and teammate.
3. McGregor could had a different legacy
Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports
Of all the things to remember about Conor McGregor, the tough 2018 loss to rival Khabib Nurmagomedov will always be a key moment in his career. The grudge match was deeply personal for the Dagestani, and marks a true low point in McGregor’s UFC tenure.
On the other hand, would McGregor have returned at all if he didn’t get a massive blockbuster fight as the one against Khabib? Maybe the Irishman would have continued doing mega fights in the boxing circuit instead of fighting in the octagon.
4. Jon Jones would be the undisputed G.O.A.T
Jon ”Bones” Jones. Photo: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
No matter how impressive Khabib’s UFC career is, he’s still out of the question of being the MMA G.O.A.T. Comparing his record to Jon Jones, there is just no debate. Period.
Still, many fans and experts have Nurmagomedov as the best to ever do it.
However, if he would have retired back in 2014, there would only be one big name on his resume, and that’s Rafael dos Anjos, who he beat in April 2014. All of his big fights took place between 2018 and 2020.
5. Ferguson could have become a UFC champ
Tony Ferguson. Photo via YouTube
In 2013, Tony Ferguson started what would become a crazy 12 fight winning streak.
With Khabib out of the picture, Ferguson might very well end up being a UFC lightweight champion instead of ”only” an interim champ.
Interestingly enough, Ferguson was expected to face Khabib no less than four times.
In December 11, 2015, at the Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale, Nurmagomedov pulled out of the fight due to injury.
The bout with Nurmagomedov was rescheduled and expected take place on April 16, 2016, but Ferguson pulled out of the bout due to a lung issue.
The third time was for the interim UFC lightweight title. But prior to the weigh-ins Nurmagomedov was hospitalized due to the ill effects of his weight cut,
On April 7, 2018, the pairing was scheduled for a fourth time, however, Ferguson tore his fibular collateral ligament at a pre-fight media obligation and was forced to withdraw from the event.
Want to read more about Khabib?
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