Calacus Weekly Hit & Miss – Nurmagomedov & van Gerwen
Every Monday we look at the best and worst communicators in the sports world from the previous week.
HIT – KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov shocked the mixed martial arts world by announcing his retirement from the sport just moments after defeating Justin Gaethje and extending his perfect professional record to 29-0.
Whether he is the greatest MMA fighter of all time will remain a debate, but Nurmagomedov is leaving the sport at the top of his game and with a legacy that will far outlast his career in the cage.
He would be forgiven for having made more out of his retirement as tributes poured in from around the world, but for the 32-year-old Russian, his decision was a deeply personal one and a mark of the man that he is.
After the death of his father, coach and mentor Abdulmanap in the summer, Nurmagomedov promised his mother that this fight would be his last.
“She didn't want me to fight without father, but I promised her it was going to be my last fight,” he explained.
“If I give my word, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here.”
It showed that his decision was not one about money or fame, and the emotion on his face at the end of his final fight was clear for all to see.
Nurmagomedov will no doubt continue working within the sport having already hinted at becoming a coach, but for now he leaves the sport with the utmost respect of his peers and the global UFC fanbase.
MISS – MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
Fiery Dutchman Michael van Gerwen has spent years at the top of the world of darts but he has become increasingly agitated in recent weeks as his form has, at times, deserted him.
He was beaten 8-5 by Englishman Joe Cullen in last weekend’s International Darts Open final, but it was his reaction to his Last 16 win against world number 102 Andy Hamilton that caused a stir.
After averaging below 90 for the second consecutive match, MVG used his post-match interview to moan about his opponent, claiming “They have to do everything in the book to try and put you off but it didn’t work for him. It feels even better (to win) when they try every trick and it doesn’t work.”
The Dutchman didn’t reference what Hamilton had allegedly done to distract him, but it was an uncharacteristic response that is likely to have stemmed from his own below-par performance.
It’s not the first time he’s sparked controversy recently, after he branded Scottish pair Gary Anderson and Peter Wright ‘cowardly’ for withdrawing from next month’s World Cup of Darts.
Both players cited concerns over safety amid the coronavirus pandemic and given rising death tolls across the world, even with the necessary precautions in place it should ultimately be the choice of the players if they compete or not.
Van Gerwen will be better served focusing on his own game and showcasing why he is still the best player in the world right now.