Dan Hooker argues Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement wasn't family-related

Dan Hooker took part in a recent interview with Submission Radio, where he shared his thoughts on a number of topics, including Ilia Topuria's stunning fourth-round TKO loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. It was during that part of the conversation that 'The Hangman' shared his theory that Khabib Nurmagomedov didn't actually retire due to family-related reasons.

Dan Hooker talks Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired with a 29-0 record and as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history. After submitting Justin Gaethje in round two to defend his then lightweight title at UFC 254, a tearful Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from MMA. He had lost his father, legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and had promised his mother he would not fight again without his father in his corner. His decision led to various attempts by Dana White to convince him to return, largely for a big money rematch with Conor McGregor.

Now, six years later, Dan Hooker expressed doubt over 'The Eagle's' stated reason for his retirement. As he spoke about Ilia Topuria having underestimated Gaethje prior to his loss at UFC Freedom 250, he said the following about 'The Eagle's' retirement (3:41):

"It would be hard not to , bro. I get a couple of wins under my belt and I start acting like my d**k's two-feet long. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be 17-0. I'd be going absolutely off my head. It must be difficult, bro. It must be difficult from going to that kind of run , but you can see it... You really think Khabib stopped fighting because his mom told him not to? He's smart enough to know the game, and the ins and outs of the game, and he went on an incredible run, and he realized, 'Maybe that's the last time I need to roll these dice.' You know what I mean?"

Many were in disbelief over the unbeaten Dagestani legend's retirement, but Hooker is of the belief that he did so to avoid an eventual loss. Although the two men never faced each other inside the octagon, Hooker did lose via first-round submission to Islam Makhachev, 'The Eagle's' protegé, at UFC 267. He is currently on a two-fight losing streak, having been submitted in round two by Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Fight Night 256, and TKO'd in round one by Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 325.