Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals the Impact of Aging on His Training Sessions
Khabib Nurmagomedov has returned to training, but the reality isn’t as it was during his prime as a mixed martial arts legend. With the passage of time, the effects of aging are becoming apparent on the former lightweight champion, who continues to stay involved in the sport but in a different manner.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Return to Training
Despite his retirement and departure from the octagon, Khabib hasn’t completely distanced himself from the fighting world. He still trains and supports a group of fighters, including Islam Makhachev, who recently scored a notable victory over Dustin Poirier. In 2024, “The Eagle” resumed training and shared footage of his intense sessions on social media, exciting his fans.
Currently based in the United States, Nurmagomedov is training at the old gym. The American Kickboxing Academy, which also hosts champions like Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, and Luke Rockhold, has welcomed Khabib. Although retired, Khabib continues to assist and inspire the next generation of fighters.
The Impact of Aging on Khabib
Recently, Khabib posted a picture on Instagram showing an injury to his eye, commenting: “Does this mean I’m getting old?” This statement reflects the impact of aging on his training, as the challenges have become more evident. The photo sparked a wave of comments, with some UFC fans joking that it was the worst injury Khabib had ever sustained.
Despite this minor injury, Khabib did not stop training. He returned to AKA the following day, demonstrating his dedication and persistence. While a return to UFC fighting doesn’t seem likely, Khabib has reignited some of that old fire by revisiting his past rivalries with Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor.
Analysis and Future Prospects
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s journey post-retirement highlights the challenges athletes face as they age. Although time has changed some aspects of his training and performance, his love for the sport and commitment to supporting young fighters showcase his continued influence in the MMA world. Khabib still has a lot of energy and motivation, but perhaps in the future, it will be channeled more into training and mentoring than into the octagon.