Khabib Nurmagomedov isn’t just an undefeated champion; he was an unstoppable force in the octagon, delivering relentless intensity in every match. While many fighters enter the cage looking to overpower their opponents, there are others like Khalil Rountree, who bring their personal struggles into the ring, proving that anything is possible. Each fighter has their own motivation, and Khabib is no exception. The Dagestani legend recently disclosed that inflicting pain was never his goal; rather, he was focused on racking up victories to earn that coveted championship gold.

A recent video surfaced online in which Khabib reflects on his fight against Michael Johnson in 2016. In the footage, he recalls his commitment to ensuring Johnson’s safety during their bout. Aware that Johnson was not on his level, Khabib chose to offer him guidance throughout the fight.

Interestingly, Khabib noted that he had Johnson’s arm in a position that could have easily resulted in a break. However, he opted against that route, instead encouraging Johnson to tap out, which he ultimately did, securing Khabib’s victory. The undefeated champion, with a record of 29-0, emphasized that his intention was never solely to defeat his opponent, but to achieve championship glory.
“I understand he’s not on my level, and I give him advice… When I take his arm, I really can break it, and I don’t do this… My goal in this sport was not to hurt people. My goal was to become world champion without [hurting people],” Khabib stated.
As for comeback rumors, Khabib Nurmagomedov has once again put them to rest. Every six months, the UFC buzzes with speculation about his potential return, especially given that he retired young, with ample fight left in him. Yet, despite the ongoing hype, these theories never materialize, leaving fans disappointed each time. When pressed about his return, Khabib firmly stated, “There is no chance. Not even one percent.”
Khabib places his trust in his cousin brothers—Islam Makhachev, Umar, and Usman—along with the rest of his team to pursue their championship dreams. With Islam already holding the title, Khabib believes fans won’t miss him as his team embarks on a mission to cultivate more champions. That effectively ends the speculation