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Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov | Credits: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dana-White-and-Khabib-Nurmagomedov.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov | Credits: Imago
It was three years ago when Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from the sport as an active competitor. Thereafter, it seemed like nothing might be able to bring him back to the Octagon after he gave up his coaching role, or so we thought. Recently, UFC legend and Hall of Famer pointed out that Dana White could get ‘The Eagle’ to return for another fight after he observed certain indications from the UFC.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, reportedly, has messed up big time with the Russian government with a $3 million debt. Hence, the Russian legend, at least from his end, hasn’t yet spoken about a possible return. Then why does the insider believe that a return is in order? Well, it is because of a recent video posted on UFC’s social media handles.
Is Dana White planning Khabib Nurmagomedov’s return?
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Recently, fans witnessed a no-commentary edition of the mega-fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor on YouTube, just after ‘The Notorious’ 36th birthday. The video may have surprised a few fans because it showed a side of ‘The Eagle’ that’s rarely associated with him, who’s known for being as humble as they come. Chael Sonnen believes that side added some kind of dynamism to Nurmagomedov’s personality, which was impressive.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Khabib Nurmagomedov will make a comeback to the UFC?
Absolutely
No way
Only if the money is right
Depends on Dana White
Do you think Jake Paul will succeed in MMA after his boxing match with Mike Perry?
Yes, he's a natural fighter
No, MMA is a different beast
Maybe, if he trains hard
Who cares, it's all for show
Whats your Perspective on:
Is Khabib's return to the UFC the comeback we've all been waiting for?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think the UFC mishandled Tom Aspinall's career trajectory?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not at all
I don't care
What do you think is Mike Perry's biggest mistake in his upcoming fight against Jake Paul?
Underestimating Jake Paul
Overconfidence
Lack of preparation
Switching to boxing
“Are you seeing this piece that the UFC put out on Khabib? It’s Khabib and Conor’s fight, but they re-edited and cut it and then put it out for free. No commentary. If you get done watching it, it does one thing. It makes Khabib look really cool. It’s a really cool piece on Khabib,” Chael Sonnen told Tim Welch, on YouTube. Thereafter, the reason for his mentioning of ‘The Eagle’ came to the fore. Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov were opposites.
That garnered the attention of combat sports fans and became the biggest fight in the genre. So why would Dana White let clips from that fight get posted for free? Sonnen claims that’s only because ‘The Eagle’ could be coming back. “When have you seen the UFC edit an old video, repackage it, and put it out if they weren’t building a fight? When they release a free fight or something, you could see where they would do that if it made Conor look good because allegedly he’s still under contract,” Chael Sonnen added.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-622881456.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia celebrates his KO victory over Michael Johnson of the United States (not pictured) in their lightweight bout during the UFC 205 event at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“When was the last time you saw the guy, who you can make no more money on go over by choice against the guy you still have left? Something is going on with Khabib,” concluded the UFC veteran.
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Khabib's return to the UFC the comeback we've all been waiting for?
Have an interesting take?
Has Khabib Nurmagomedov indicated anything on a return? Well, he hasn’t hinted at anything but is still actively training along with his team. He even shared some footage of training with his cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov.
‘The Eagle’ trains with Umar Nurmagomedov
Umar Nurmagomedov has the biggest fight of his career coming up against the credentialed Cory Sandhagen in August. With a couple of weeks left, he’s been putting in the work with his superstar cousin in Dubai, where his fight will take place. A recent video posted on YouTube showed Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team enjoying a game of Dagestani basketball.
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Moreover, it did not seem like Khabib Nurmagomedov showed any signs of worries regarding his reported legal problems, nor was there anything about his alleged return. However, Chael Sonnen makes a compelling case by mentioning how the UFC operates on social media when they have to build a fight or a fighter, and in this case, it looks like Nurmagomedov is at the forefront.
What do you think? Khabib Nurmagomedov has always kept mentioning he’s never coming back because of the promise he made to his family. Let us know in the comments if you think there is a possibility that fans get to see him try to make his record 30-0.
Debate
Is Khabib's return to the UFC the comeback we've all been waiting for?