Khabib Nurmagomedov has offered advice to his friend Cristiano Ronaldo on how to handle his future retirement.

Both Ronaldo and Khabib have undoubtedly conquered their respective sports over their impressive careers, but at 34 and 31 years-of-age respectively, both have also arguably already seen their best days.

Nurmagomedov possesses one of the most fearsome records in combat sports' history, holding a flawless 28-0 record across his mixed martial arts career, and record-breaking wins over Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Al Iaquinta and Edson Barboza to name but a few. 

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever to grace the game, having scored a near-unbelievable 709 total careers goals to date, alongside winning the Ballon d'Or - football's greatest individual honour - on five separate occasions. 

Despite seeing a slight decline in his astounding statistics sine making the move to Juventus almost two years ago, Ronaldo has repeatedly stated his intention to continue playing at the highest level for many more years to come.

Speaking at a media event in Russia for MMA promotion GFC, Khabib was quizzed on his friend's drive and motivation by a member of the crowd, who questioned why Ronaldo 'seems not to want to retire'.

"It's hard to leave something you've done your whole life" Khabib told his fans. 

"But it doesn't matter whether you want to [retire] or not. The time will come when if you don't leave the sport, the sport will leave you. 

"If you don't leave at the right time, you'll be left behind as there'll be new champions, younger, hungrier, more motivated guys. You won't have the same motivation and hunger you've had at the beginning of your career towards it's end".

Khabib has openly spoken on his intentions for his future in recent months, claiming he could see himself fighting two or three more times before potentially hanging up his gloves for good. 

Whilst undoubtedly one of the sport's biggest and most talented personalities at present, his future legacy and waning abilities are clearly something the Dagestan-born has given thought to. 

"Nobody will be around forever, so it's important to leave at the right time.

"How old is he [Ronaldo}? 34? At 35 he won't have the same conditioning and reaction time. It doesn't matter if it's Cristiano or Khabib, people will come and take your place. 

"My advice to him, and to me as well, is to leave at the right time".