UFC's Khabib Nurmagomedov after latest injury: 'I'm not sure if I will ever come back'

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov apparently has serious doubts about his future following his latest injury setback.

The undefeated UFC lightweight contender suffered a rib injury that will prevent him from making a scheduled bout with Tony Ferguson at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale in December. It’s the third major injury Nurmagomedov (22-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) has faced in less than two years and he hinted the damage could spell the end of his career.

“I broke a rib and once again retired from the fight, I really wanted to come back, I’m not sure I’ll be back at all ever,” Nurmagomedov wrote on his official Instagram account. “I want to apologize to my fans. I broke my rib, and again I am out of the fight. I really wanted to come back, I’m not sure if I will ever come back. Thanks to my fans and my sponsors.”

Nurmagomedov, No. 2 in the NOS Energy Drink MMA lightweight rankings, has garnered plenty of hype since his UFC debut in January 2012. He’s dominated every bit of competition placed before him, winning six consecutive fights under the UFC banner without having a single round scored against him. Moreover, Nurmagomedov’s 22-fight MMA winning streak is longest among active UFC fighters.

“The Eagle” last appeared in the octagon in April 2014, when he picked up a lopsided unanimous decision victory over current UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. Since then, however, he’s encountered a series of knee injuries that have prevented him from returning to competition.

The 27-year-old suffered a knee injury that required surgery following the bout with dos Anjos and was scheduled to return to action against Donald Cerrone at UFC 187 in May. Unfortunately, another knee injury ruled him out of the contest.

A timetable for Nurmagomedov’s latest injury has not been determined. His comments indicate he’s considering giving up on the sport, but if he does return it will likely be close to or more than two years between UFC appearances.

For more on The Ultimate Fight 22 Finale, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.