RAF co-founder wants Khabib Nurmagomedov on the roster
Khabib Nurmagomedov's now six-year-old retirement from combat sports didn't stop RAF co-founder Izzy Martinez from offering him a spot on the RAF roster.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has no interest in returning to combat sports as an athlete, but he remains a hot commodity nonetheless. The latest organization to show an interest in signing him is the RAF, with its COO and co-founder Izzy Martinez more than open to having him in the promotion.
RAF has a roster spot for Khabib Nurmagomedov
Despite retiring in 2020, submitting Justin Gaethje in round two at UFC 254 to successfully defend his lightweight title, Khabib Nurmagomedov has had to fend off countless attempts to drag him back to combat sports. Unlike most fighters, who eventually return to fighting for one reason or another, 'The Eagle' has stood firm in his decision, highlighting his promise to his mother that he would not fight without his father, who passed away in 2020, in his corner.
Yet, even in his late thirties, with six years of competitive rust, Nurmagomedov is still sought after, as a media member at the RAF 12 pre-fight press conference asked co-founder Izzy Martinez about the possibility of Nurmagomedov wrestling for the promotion. It comes as no surprise that Martinez welcomed the idea (0:28):
"There's five Olympic champs on this card. There's just so many great wrestlers. I think Khabib knows exactly what we're doing, and just like him, just like Gable , just like Jordan , we'd love to have him, and it's his choice, right? It's their choice on what they want to do, but if they want to compete in the big show, we'd love to have him."
The RAF isn't the only promotion interested in signing Nurmagomedov. After the MVP x PFL merger was announced, influencer boxing pioneer Jake Paul tried to coax 'The Eagle' back to MMA, but under the MVP x PFL banner. His offer, though, was dismissed. Since retiring, Nurmagomedov has settled into his role as a coach at the American Kickboxing Academy and Eagles MMA, where he has become fundamental to the success of his childhood friend and protegé Islam Makhachev, who is the former UFC lightweight champion and current UFC welterweight champion.
