3 MMA Fighters Who Gave Up Violence In Their Lives

Last year finally saw Rory MacDonald hang up the gloves after 17 years of gruelling combat. 

Long before his official retirement, however, fans saw a noticable change in MacDonald's demeanour and in-cage bloodlust. In 2019, the Canadian menace became a born-again Christian. With that, his notoriously aggressive presence and style began to quickly cool off. 

At 23-10, MacDonald retired following his loss to Dilano Taylor at PFL 8. A happily married father of two, the warrior who fought the likes of Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit in ferocious classics has now completed his move into a more peaceful, conservative lifestyle. 

#2. Zabit Magomedsharipov - Former UFC Featherweight

Once considered a major prospect in the UFC's featherweight division, the 18-1 Magomedsharipov called it quits back in June 2022. 

The decision came after almost three years of inactivity. During that time, the Dagestani fighter was reportedly in critical condition, with immunity issues eventually leading to major life-saving surgery. 

Despite rumblings of a return shortly before his retirement, it appears Magomedsharipov is content in stepping away from the cage. Now coaching his brother Khasan, the Russian has also suggested in interest in entering the field of medicine in the past. 

For now, it appears the days of Magomedsharipov being a future champion of the Octagon are indeed over. 

#1. Khabib Nurmagomedov - Former UFC Lightweight Champion

At 29-0, "The Eagle" called it a day on his active fighting career. In the years since, the legendary lightweight has gradually distanced himself more and more from the fighting game.

Initially working as a promoter through his stake in Eagle Fighting Championship, Nurmagomedov also served as a coach for AKA and continued to train with longtime friend Islam Makhachev. Last year, however, saw the former UFC lightweight champion step away completely from the fight game. 

While he's been spotted with Makhachev occasionally, "The Eagle" is committing more of his time to his family back home, ensuring a peaceful retirement life away from the pressures of combat.