UFC legend calls for absurd rule change

If you are a fan of the UFC, you are likely well aware of the kind of impact that former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov had on the sport. But even in his retirement, Nurmagomedov is looking to aide the sport of MMA by pitching ideas to make the sport more enjoyable.

During a recent podcast appearance, Nurmagomedov discussed the rule set in MMA that makes it so there are three rounds of five minutes each in non-title fights, and five five-minute rounds in championship bouts.

According to Nurmagomedov, he would like to see at least the UFC, and perhaps even other MMA promotions make a switch away from having rounds, arguing for simple one 15-minute or 25-minute fight without any breaks in the action with rounds.

“Regular fight, 15 minutes,” said Nurmagomedov. “Title fight, 25 minutes. Get rid of rounds. No rounds at all. They just step in and that’s it. What’s the point of rounds?”

Khabib Nurmagomedov said the UFC should completely get rid of rounds 👀

“Regular fight, 15 minutes. Title fight, 25 minutes. Get rid of rounds. No rounds at all. They just step in and that’s it. What’s the point of rounds?”

(via Hustle Show) pic.twitter.com/KwbnHQGDh2

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 27, 2025

Obviously, this would be a pretty radical change that would impact the sport greatly if Nurmagomedov were to get his way and this change were to one day go into effect.

MMA is a grueling sport as is with breaks in between rounds. If there were no longer breaks in action in between rounds, endurance would be an even bigger part of the sport in determining who wins and loses fights.

Maybe one day Nurmagomedov will get his wish and this rule may be changed. But at least for the time being, this proposal from simply serves as a rather ridiculous concept from the former UFC champion.