If you’ve been following the UFC for more than five minutes, you know the name Khabib Nurmagomedov. He’s the guy who retired at the absolute peak of his powers, leaving a vacuum in the lightweight division that people are still trying to fill. But time doesn't stop, even for undefeated legends. People keep asking, how old is Khabib Nurmagomedov now that he’s been out of the cage for years?
Khabib was born on September 20, 1988. As of right now, January 18, 2026, he is 37 years old.
It feels weird, doesn't it? It seems like just yesterday he was hopping over the octagon fence in Las Vegas after the McGregor fight. But he’s well into his late thirties now. While most fighters at 37 are desperately trying to string together one last win streak to pay the bills or get a title shot, Khabib is living a completely different life. He’s a coach, a businessman, and a mentor. Honestly, he looks like he hasn’t missed a single meal since he stopped cutting weight to hit 155 pounds, and who can blame him?
The Timeline of the Eagle
Khabib’s journey didn't start in a flashy MMA gym in California. It started in the mountains of Dagestan. If you’ve seen the videos of him as a nine-year-old wrestling a bear cub, you know the vibe. That wasn't for the cameras; that was just Tuesday in Sildi.
By the time he made his UFC debut in 2012 against Kamal Shalorus, he was 23. He was a young, hungry grappler with a style that looked like a human blender. He just kept coming. Most guys slow down as they hit their thirties, but Khabib seemed to get stronger.
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He won the vacant lightweight title against Al Iaquinta when he was 29. That was in April 2018. Then came the era of dominance. He defended against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and finally Justin Gaethje. He retired at 32.
Think about that for a second. Most athletes are just reaching their physical prime at 32. He walked away when he could have easily defended that belt another five times. But he made a promise to his mother after his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away in 2020. Khabib is a man who keeps his word.
Why People Keep Searching for Khabib’s Age
There’s a reason how old is Khabib Nurmagomedov is still a top search query. It’s the "what if" factor.
In the current 2026 landscape, the lightweight division has shifted significantly. We’ve seen Islam Makhachev—Khabib’s protégé—dominate and even move up to welterweight to take titles there. When fans see Islam winning, they naturally think back to the guy who started the movement. They look at Khabib on the sidelines, looking sturdy in a tracksuit, and they wonder if he could still do it.
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At 37, he’s technically still young enough for a "one-off" return. We see guys like Jon Jones or even heavyweights fighting into their 40s. But Khabib isn't those guys. He’s stated repeatedly that once he’s done, he’s done. He doesn't miss the weight cuts. He doesn't miss the media scrums.
Basically, he’s enjoying being the "old man" of the gym, even though 37 isn't actually old.
Life at 37: More Than Just Fighting
So, what does a 37-year-old retired GOAT do with his time? He isn't just sitting on a porch in Dagestan.
Khabib has stayed incredibly busy. He spent a significant amount of time building the Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC). He’s been a fixture at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, helping Javier Mendez sharpen the next generation.
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Recent reports from early 2026 show him pushing his team to the limit. Just a few days ago, he was seen timing his fighters—including Umar Nurmagomedov—during 400-meter sprints. He’s obsessed with the "runner's mindset" and recovery. Even though he says his personal best for a lap is around 1 minute and 2 seconds (which he’s actually annoyed by because Islam Makhachev is faster), he’s still out there grinding.
Khabib’s Current Focus Areas
- Coaching Excellence: He’s transitioned from being the guy in the cage to being the voice in the corner. He’s helping guys like Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov navigate their own undefeated streaks.
- Business Ventures: From fitness apps to his own alkaline water and fast-food chains (M-Eat by Khabib), he’s diversified. His net worth in 2026 is estimated to be well over $40 million.
- Legacy Preservation: He views his current role as a continuation of his father's work. It’s not about his own glory anymore; it’s about the team.
Could He Come Back?
Let’s be real. Every time a big fight happens, Joe Rogan or some pundit mentions Khabib. They talk about the "30-0" dream.
But look at the facts. At 37, Khabib has been out of active competition for over five years. The sport has evolved. While his grappling is likely still world-class, the explosive conditioning required for five-round wars at 155 pounds is a different beast.
More importantly, he’s at peace. You can see it in his interviews. He doesn't have that twitchy, nervous energy of a fighter who retired too early and regrets it. He looks like a man who won the game and decided to stop playing while he was still the champion.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to keep up with what Khabib is doing now that he's 37, here’s what you should do:
- Watch the Corners: Instead of looking for fight announcements, watch the corners of Umar Nurmagomedov or Islam Makhachev. That’s where you’ll see Khabib’s "fight" nowadays. He’s often the loudest person in the arena, giving instructions.
- Follow AKA Updates: Coach Javier Mendez frequently posts "behind the scenes" footage on YouTube and social media. This is the best way to see Khabib’s training methods and his legendary "father's plan" in action with new athletes.
- Check Out Eagle FC: While he’s stepped back from some day-to-day operations, the promotion still carries his philosophy. It’s a good place to see the kind of talent he’s trying to cultivate.
Khabib Nurmagomedov might be 37, but his influence on MMA is only growing. He proved that you can be the best in the world, make your money, and leave with your health and your dignity intact. In a sport as brutal as this one, that’s the rarest feat of all.