‘As Humble as Khabib Want to Say He Is, He’s Got an Ego Too’- Kevin Lee Details a Scenario Where the UFC Can Lure Khabib Nurmagomedov Back to Competition

Former UFC lightweight fighter Kevin Lee has been in the headlines after his surprising departure from the UFC’s roster. Weeks later, he found his way into Khabib Nurmagomedov’s MMA promotion, Eagle FC, and has his sights set on becoming the new 165-pound divisional champion.

During the sit-down style interview with ‘The Schmo’ and Helen Yee, Kevin Lee talked about one possible way the UFC could wrangle Khabib Nurmagomedov back.

According to Lee, the UFC is pushing Khamzat Chimaev aggressively in order to cajole Nurmagomedov to return. Lee believes that Nurmagomedov’s competitive spirit will be ignited once he sees a fellow Russian become the biggest star in the UFC.

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“The Khamzat push is to kind of make up for the gap that Khabib had. I think if they feel he can get bigger than Khabib, that they may be able to kind of play with Khabib’s ego a little. As humble as Khabib want to say he is, he’s got an ego too.”

“I think if somebody’s to be looked at as above him in his own community, they maybe he might make that comeback, and then they’ll make a whole lot of money off him.”

“I think that’s probably the push why Khamzat. He’s exciting too, he talks some sh*t. He does his thing. He put on a great performance that last fight.”

Will Khabib Nurmagomedov ever fight in the UFC again?

‘The Eagle’ retired from the UFC back in October 2020 at UFC 254 after securing a win over Justin Gaethje. Fans felt like they wanted to see more out of Khabib Nurmagomedov as he was seemingly just getting started as a dominant champion.

It’s largely believed that Khabib Nurmagomedov has set aside the gloves for good. However, Kevin Lee believes the UFC is relying on ‘Borz’ to lure ‘The Eagle’ back.

Khabib is a family man and had promised his mother that he would not fight anymore without his father by his side.

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Hence, if Khabib Nurmagomedov’s sentiments are to be believed, he is well and truly done with the UFC. However, as Nurmagomedov is known to have a tenacious competitive spirit, there might be some validity to Kevin Lee’s theory.