Nurmagomedov (photo via gazetaesportiva.net)

By FCF Staff

After Khabib Nurmagomedov was recently sent to the disabled list once again, he said he was thinking about retiring, but the lightweight contender will return to the Octagon.

Nurmagomedov was scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson next month, which would have marked the first time he had fought since last April, when he decisioned Rafael dos Anjos. The renowned grappler was sidelined for months due to a knee injury, and then more recently he injured his ribs.

“The Eagle” announced afterwards that he was thinking about retiring, and more recently, he reported it was up to his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

In the latest edition of “UFC Tonight“, however, the show’s Ariel Helwani reported that (quote via FOX Sports 1 press release):

“I spoke to him. He’s decided against retirement. His time wasn’t now. His father is the boss. He said, ‘once you get the gold, you can decide.’ Khabib said fighting is in my blood. He’s going to relax for a while then hopefully get back for the Super Bowl fight.”

The 27 year-old Nurmagomedov currently carries a record of 22-0. Since he joined the UFC in 2012, he’s won six straight bouts.