5 fighters who thrived after leaving the UFC

#4. Khabib Nurmagomedov

UFC 242 Khabib v Poirier

'The Eagle' left no doubt that he's the greatest lightweight in the world after dismantling the likes of Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje and many more. Following the triangle choke finish of 'The Highlight', Nurmagomedov surprised the world as he announced his retirement.

After the passing of his late father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the former pound-for-pound best fighter promised his mother that he wouldn't compete past his 29-0 record. While his career as a UFC athlete has concluded, Nurmagomedov is as busy and successful as ever.

Maybe not wearing his signature Papakha on his way to the octagon, but Khabib wears many hats. Coach, promotor, and training partner -- Nurmagomedov is still very involved in professional fighting. Eagle FC, an organization that 'The Eagle' established, is thriving and breaking ground. His Dagestani brothers are also competing in top organizations, along with his teammates at American Kickboxing Academy; Nurmagomedov actively coaches and trains alongside these athletes.

#3. Chad Mendes

Chad Mendes fighting Frankie Edgar

Former featherweight title challenger Chad Mendes has retired and hasn't competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship since losing to the current featherweight champ, Alexander Volkanovski. Although 'Money' was successful in this 2018 bout, he succumbed to strikes in the second round.

While it was on the record that Mendes felt great and looked the part to back it up, he decided that he's to move on to different ventures in life. Mendes began Finz and Feathers, a company in which he would be a fishing and hunting tour guide.

Although Mendes is living out another dream with the hunting and fishing service he provides, he remained training with his close friends at Team Alpha Male. As training continued, the urge to compete never fully dissipated. Mendes went on to compete in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he recently won his first bout with a fourth-round finish.