Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks it’s an applicable time for Tony Ferguson to retire after his UFC on ABC 7 loss.

Nurmagomedov was at Saturday’s occasion at Etihad Enviornment in Abu Dhabi to nook his cousin Umar in the primary occasion. He was backstage when his longtime rival Ferguson (25-11 MMA, 15-9 UFC), whom he was scheduled to combat 5 instances throughout his profession, suffered a first-round submission defeat towards Michael Chiesa to set the document for many consecutive octagon losses at eight.

There have been a number of cases already during which Nurmagomedov has urged Ferguson to retire. That seems to be nearer to actuality than ever, however stays to be seen after Ferguson was non-committal within the aftermath of his defeat.

Nurmagomedov is on the aspect of retirement for “El Cucuy,” although, and supplied an uplifting message to a person he spent a few years of his profession feuding with.

“It’s not a shock for me as a result of he’s 40 years outdated,” Nurmagomedov instructed UFC Europe. “I simply need to want him all the most effective. He’s actually top-of-the-line to ever do it within the UFC. I simply need to want him all the most effective. His life is simply starting, as a result of he’s simply 40 years outdated. He simply completed his MMA profession. Now it will a be totally different life. A significantly better life.”

🗣️: “It is not a shock for me, I need to want him all the greatest!”

Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts to THAT Tony Ferguson interview at #UFCAbuDhabi 🇦🇪@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/AmYj06zvnS

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 3, 2024

Nurmagomedov and Ferguson by no means bought the chance to share the octagon. A collection of unlucky and unpredictable occasions led to a document variety of combat cancellations between them, and though Nurmagomedov would’ve preferred for it to occur after they have been on the peak of their powers, he stated it was merely not meant to be.

“In my prime and his prime, it was presupposed to be very fascinating combat,” Nurmagomedov stated. “However what can I say? He have a pair instances injured, I’ve a pair instances injured. It’s what it’s, you realize? Generally we’ve got our plans, however God has his plans. We can not management this.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ABC 7.