Khabib Nurmagomedov says UFC contract binds him for life
Khabib Nurmagomedov remains bound to the UFC six years after walking away from the sport.
The undefeated former lightweight champion told listeners on the Smol Talk podcast that his promotional contract contains provisions preventing him from competing anywhere else, even if he changed his mind about retirement decades down the line. "I'm not planning to return, but even if I suddenly wanted to, I could never fight anywhere except the UFC — not even 20 years from now," he said, per Sherdog.
How UFC contracts lock fighters into lifetime exclusivity
Nurmagomedov explained that the promotion leverages its status as the sport's premier organization to secure restrictive deals with fighters chasing their dreams of Octagon glory. He described the arrangement as effectively permanent. "So, your exclusive arrangement with them lasts for life," he said. "I still have a contract with the UFC. Every fighter dreams of competing in the UFC, and the UFC uses that. They say, 'Alright, that's your dream, come in. But the deal is exclusive.'"
The Dagestani walked away in 2020 with a spotless 29-0 record and the undisputed lightweight strap. Dana White spent months trying to coax him back into the cage before finally inducting him into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022.
Nurmagomedov has shifted his focus to coaching, most notably cornering his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov in Bellator and working with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Original reporting:
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