Home/UFC

Khabib Nurmagomedov sent shock waves across the mixed martial arts community and the lightweight division when he announced his retirement. An overwhelmed Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed that his mother did not want him to continue fighting without his father. And therefore announced his retirement.

This came as a tremendous shock to the fans and pundits alike. Most people believed that Khabib would fight once more after UFC 254 to reach 30-0 before calling it a day. However, the UFC President revealed that there might be a change of heart with ‘The Eagle’ and he is in no mood to move the division on without him. 

HILARIOUS: Khabib Nurmagomedov asks fan to buy a dog to fight Jorge Masvidal

Khabib Nurmagomedov might come back reveals Dana White

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In the post-fight press conference following UFC Vegas 12, a reporter asked Dana White how his recent conversation with Khabib went and if ‘The Eagle’ would return to fight again.

White replied, “Well, you know, he did not say that he will fight. But he did not say no either. He’s considering the 30-0. His father wanted it. And I think that he was super emotional, had the mumps, broken toes, trained on a stationary bike for that fight and then came in and fought…..”

White continued, “He’s still the champ. There is no vacant title open right now or interim title happening. He’s the champ and we’ll give him some time to figure out what he wants to do…. He said he was going to talk with his mother.”

It’s no secret that Khabib’s father wanted him to retire 30-0 as the undefeated, undisputed lightweight champion. ‘The Eagle’ is just one win shy of achieving that. 

Following his retirement, there were rumors that the Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier fight early next year would be for the vacant belt. However, Dana has swiftly squished all those rumors with his statement today. 

If Khabib Nurmagomedov was to return, it would be a behemoth of a fight. However, the question now remains: will he come back? And if he does, who will he face?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Khabib has said that he has no interest in fighting Conor or Dustin as he has beaten both of them. The Tony Ferguson fight could be a possibility. However, ‘El Cucuy’ would have to secure a win or two before it can happen. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Georges St. Pierre is likely the foremost fight Khabib wants. Whether it takes place remains to be seen. 

Do you think Khabib will return to the octagon? If he does who will his 30th fight be against?