UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has offered a tongue-in-cheek explanation for Tyson Fury’s latest boxing comeback, suggesting the British heavyweight may have exhausted his finances.
The retired MMA star found humour in Fury’s decision to step back into the ring, sharing his theory during a recent media scrum.
“Then I think he spent all his money and came back. This is how I feel, but Tyson is a great champion,” Nurmagomedov said.
The 29-0 Russian fighter expressed enthusiasm about watching the upcoming bout, adding: “It’s always fun to watch Tyson Fury.”
Fury’s return will see him face Arslanbek Makhmudov on British soil this April, marking the former two-time heavyweight world champion’s first appearance in the ring since December 2024.
The 37-year-old stepped away from the sport following back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk, with the second loss prompting yet another retirement announcement from ‘The Gypsy King’.
Few observers believed Fury would remain retired for long, given his well-documented history of walking away from boxing only to return.
Arslanbek Makhmudov will be Tyson Fury’s next opponent this April
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GETTYNurmagomedov noted the Dagestani connection to Fury’s opponent, saying: “And I think he’s coming back against a Dagestani.
“Of course, I’m going to watch this fight.”
Fury’s pattern of stepping away from boxing stretches back over a decade, with his first retirement announcement coming in 2013.
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This marks the fifth occasion the Manchester-born fighter has reversed a decision to hang up his gloves, leading supporters to approach his proclamations with considerable scepticism.
Nurmagomedov observed a recurring theme in Fury’s retirement timing.
“I think Tyson Fury has come out [of retirement] five times,” he said. “Every summer, he retires. I think before vacation, he announced he was retiring.”
Nurmagomedov’s approach to retirement stands in stark contrast to Fury’s revolving door policy.
Tyson Fury previously retired in January last year after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk
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REUTERSThe Russian departed from mixed martial arts in October 2020 after submitting Justin Gaethje to unify the lightweight championship at UFC 354, walking away at just 32 years of age.
Despite persistent speculation about a potential return, Nurmagomedov has remained emphatic about his decision.
“There is no chance. None. Not even 1 percent. Minus,” he stated in October 2024.
Rather than contemplating his own comeback, the undefeated fighter has channelled his energy into coaching, pointing to champions Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov as evidence his team continues producing elite talent.
