KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has once again doubled down on his retirement – further dashing Conor McGregor's hopes of a rematch.
The former lightweight champion hung up his gloves last October following a submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 but flirted with a return earlier this year.
But the undefeated Russian decided not to go back on his promise to his mother to longer compete, which he has no intention of breaking.
He told ESPN: "Nothing and nobody [can bring me back]."
Nurmagomedov's comments will come as a blow to bitter rival McGregor, who has been hellbent on exacting revenge on the Eagle ever since their 2018 grudge match.
The future UFC Hall-of-Famer's retirement, which he announced three months after the passing of his father and coach Abdulmanap, irked McGregor.
In January, the Irishman said: “How you could walk away at this stage is baffling to me but to each to their own.
“There’s so many amazing fights out there. You can’t just scurry away from bouts.
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"It’s been the hallmark of his approach.
"I was not surprised to see him walk away or scurry away, I should say. It is what it is. We carry on.”
Nurmagomedov, 33, is now focused on his burgeoning mixed martial arts promotion – Eagle Fighting Championship – and coaching his team-mates.
The Dagestani's long-time training partner and good friend Isla Makhachev is closing in on a title shot, which he'll likely receive if he beats Beneil Darush early next year.
And there's no doubt in Nurmagomedov's mind that Makhachev will reign over the division he once ruled.
He said: "We have a goal to take back this belt. His name is Islam Makachev.
"He has to take the. belt back to Dagestan. And I truly believe, I truly believe, [in] his skills. He can do this.
"I really believe the end of next year we're gonna take this belt home."
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