Five possible fights for Khabib after UFC retirement including money-spinning boxing match with Mayweather and WWE clash

KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV signed off his UFC career in style with a sensational submission win against Justin Gaethje.

The Russian announced just moments after defending his lightweight title that it would be his last in the organisation.

He revealed he had made a promise to his mother, and is still in mourning after his father and trainer Abdulmanap died in July.

Khabib retires undefeated in UFC, and an unblemished 29 and 0 MMA record.

Here, SunSport speculates five possible scenarios that might just keep Khabib in the public eye.

Boxing vs Mayweather

Could Khabib follow his old rival Conor McGregor on the path to The Money, literally?

McGregor challenged one of boxing's best ever, Floyd Mayweather, in the noble art back in 2018.

It resulted in a tenth-round stoppage loss. But the fight earned both superstars millions in the process.

Khabib defeated McGregor intheir UFC grudge match, and he may fancy the opportunity to better his bitter rival against Mayweather.

But whether 'The Money' Mayweather is prepared to risk his 50 and 0 boxing record is another matter – though the dollar bills on offer might persuade him.


WWE

Khabib has been 'entertaining' fight fans for years in the octagon, so why not join the best in the business of sports entertainment.

A move to WWE would offer the Russian millions – and he wouldn't have to exert himself as much as he did in UFC.

He will hope to follow the likes of Dan Severn, Ken Shamrock and of course Ronda Rousey into making a success in wrestling.

But it's not a guaranteed path to success -just ask Cain Velasquez.

Bellator

Having dominated one martial arts organisations, maybe Khabib would fancy the chance to dominate another.

Bellator would see it as a real coup if they could persuade the 32-year-old to continue his fighting in a rival organisation.

It really should be the talk of the boardroom.

And after they secured Cris Cyborg following her UFC release and with former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum close to signing, Khabib would be the jewell in the crown.

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29-0. Happy Retirement Champ ? @khabib_nurmagomedov Alhamdullah

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Bareknuckle vs McGregor

Khabib may have beaten McGregor back in 2018, but it appears the bad blood hasn't simmered.

Yes, McGregor has paid respects to Khabib and his family after the death of his dad Abdulmanap, but he has never got over the defeat.

He has used social media to angle for a rematch, but with Khabib calling time on his UFC career, that looks to be done and dusted.

But a bare knuckle fight could be one way to have it out once and for all. Both like to strike and McGregor would jump at the chance.

Follow in father's footsteps

Khabib has been left devastated by the untimely death of his father Abdulmanap.

He was also responsible for coaching Khabib to become arguably the greatest ever UFC fighter.

The undefeated UFC king was chatting to his coach Javier Mendez after he defeated Gaethje at the weekend.

He said: "We have a lot of young generation guys to coach. We are going to come back on the top very soon.

"I’m going to help you. I always help you – how many years I help you coach?!”

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