When Khabib Nurmagomedov unequivocally rejected a staggering offer, his former teammate Daniel Cormier understood that `The Eagle` would never step into the octagon again. Nurmagomedov concluded his illustrious career in 2020, honoring a solemn vow made to his mother after the tragic passing of his father and longtime coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
After his dominant victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, where he submitted his opponent, Nurmagomedov famously laid down his gloves, cementing his retirement. Despite persistent efforts from the promotion, the Dagestani superstar has remained steadfast in his decision. UFC President Dana White has often expressed that Nurmagomedov retired prematurely and initially resisted accepting the retirement. However, one particular rejected proposal finally extinguished any lingering hopes of a comeback.
Daniel Cormier Confirms Khabib`s Retirement After $40 Million Offer Refusal
Daniel Cormier, having trained alongside Nurmagomedov for years at the American Kickboxing Academy, possesses an intimate understanding of the legendary former lightweight champion. His conviction that his longtime friend will not return is a significant indicator that a comeback is truly off the table. Yet, Cormier himself wasn`t always so certain.
On a recent episode of his Good Guy/Bad Guy show for ESPN MMA, Cormier shared the precise moment he became convinced that `The Eagle` was retired for good. “Khabib fighting again is simply never going to happen,” Cormier asserted.
“The pivotal moment was when Khabib, speaking about the top 25 UFC fighters of all time, mentioned that he had been offered an astounding $40 million to return, and he declined it. At that point, I realized, `This man is never fighting again.`”
Cormier further emphasized the finality of the decision: “Attempting to call him out is akin to calling out the Pope… he`s simply not going to fight.”
Cormier initially disclosed details of this lucrative offer in a 2024 YouTube video. “Khabib explicitly told us he rejected $40 million. He said, `I turned away $40 million, brother, I`m done.`” Cormier noted the exact terms of the offer — how many fights or events it encompassed — were unclear, but the message from Nurmagomedov was unequivocal.
Khabib Still Receives Offers, But Not for MMA
Despite the former UFC champion`s firm stance on retirement, offers continue to come his way, though primarily for grappling matches rather than MMA. Nurmagomedov himself confirmed that he still gets these proposals.
“They consistently offer me grappling matches,” he stated on the Hustle Show. “Grappling offers arrive all the time. There wasn`t even an opponent; they said, `If you agree, we`ll find one for you.`”
However, regardless of the discipline, the Dagestani legend maintains absolutely no desire to compete again. “(I) never even considered accepting a comeback offer,” Nurmagomedov concluded.
