Khabib Nurmagomedov reportedly signs contract to play soccer for FC Legion Dynamo
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov appears to be taking his talents to the soccer field.
The now-retired, undefeated fighter has reportedly inked a deal with Russian professional soccer team FC Legion Dynamo, per multiple reports, including RT Sport and an FC Legion Dynamo Instagram account, which shows Nurmagomedov shaking hands on a deal with team president Shamil Lakhiyalov.
Nurmagomedov took to social media in January after he announced his retirement from MMA after—in what appears to be his final fight—a submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 to say that he was open to offers from soccer teams now that he was a “free agent.”
Preparing for my football debut ⚽️
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 24, 2021
I’m free agent, and ready to accept offers.
Готовлюсь к дебюту на большом футболе, жду предложения, будем рассматривать. https://t.co/V2NlBX5iqD
“The Eagle” ended his career as the top ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC after compiling a 29-0 record as a professional fighter. Nurmagomedov captured the promotion’s lightweight title with a unanimous decision win over Al Iaquinta at UFC 223 in April 2018.
He would go on to defend the title successfully three times, finishing all of those bouts via submission against Gaethje, Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.