"This is what LeBron James should have told his sons" - Fans react as Khabib Nurmagomedov shares if his kids would compete in MMA

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from mixed martial arts in 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje via second-round submission at UFC 254 to defend his lightweight title for the third time. While 'The Eagle' has remained involved in the sport, serving as a coach - despite a brief retirement - and continuing to train, he made it clear that he would not continue to compete without his father in his corner.

The UFC Hall of Famer recently revealed that he will not allow his children to compete in mixed martial arts. Speaking to Demetrious Johnson on his Mighty podcast, Nurmagomedov stated:

"No competition, but they have to be strong. They train. They train, but no competition. Gymnastics. No martial arts. I know how to fight. I'm going to protect them. They don't need to fight."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments on not letting his kids compete in MMA below:

Fans shared their thoughts on Nurmagomedov's opinion. @kingjesus17 claimed that NBA superstar LeBron James, who is teammates with his son Bronny, should have told his children the same:

"This is what LeBron James should have told his sons"

@brosephblake believes that the former lightweight champion's success will allow his children to choose a different path:

"He fights so they don’t have to. It’s that sport that you cannot get into if you don’t come from a place of hunger and struggle… personally love to hear this from him and any other really successful fighter."

@CTPatriot08 noted that Nurmagomedov understands the dangers of fighting competitively:

"Khabib knows the dangers of fighting. That's why he walked away so young. Plus he's rich."

@sibert1m pointed out that 'The Eagle' has changed his stance over the years:

"I remember a long time ago Khabib said that if his kids wanted to compete he'd let them, but he's now changed his opinion. I think he knows now that he's a father to growing kids that they weren't born from the same world that he was, and wants to protect them from that."

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions to Khabib's take on his kids competing in MMA (via Championship Rounds/X)

Khabib Nurmagomedov lists three fighters who should retire

Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away from mixed martial arts in the midst of his prime following his father's death in 2020. The UFC Hall of Famer recently shared three fighters he would like to see retire, all of whom he has some history with.

Speaking to Henry Cejudo of the Pound 4 Pound Show, 'The Eagle' stated:

"I think Poirier has to stop fighting. I think he's finished. Justin Gaethje, Khabib, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, this is old school, brother. Stop fighting. We have to recognize real things."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments on fighters who need to retire below (starting at the 12:10 mark):

Nurmagomedov defeated Poirier via third-round submission at UFC 242 and Gaethje via second-round submission at UFC 254. He never had the opportunity to face Ferguson despite being booked against him five times.