UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov dramatically defended his belt vs. Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 154, and then dramatically retired. The Eagle had on multiple occasions voiced the desire to go 30-0, ideally with his final fight being vs. welterweight GOAT Georges St-Pierre. GSP is game.
However, with the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap in July due to complications from COVID-19, the fighter assumed the role as head of household, and he promised his mother this would be it. When Niurmagomedov returned to Dagestan, he again explained that he would fight no more forever.
Of course, Dana wants me to continue fighting and generate revenue, Nurmagomedov said in Russian, as translated by RT Sport. I can make money myself. I’m at the peak of my career and can fight for very large purses, but I made this decision, and I think this is the best time. Not everyone can retire at their peak, but I know that in a year, two or five, I’d have to face that decision again. I did enough in the sport to be considered the best. Today, I was ranked as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, so the mission is accomplished. What else is there to do? Make money? I’ll always be able to do that.
However, UFC president Dana White appeared recently on the Zach Gelb Show and said that following discussion with the champ, he believes Nurmagomedov will fight one more time.
I have 15 minute interview with @ufc President @danawhite that will air tonight on @CBSSportsRadio at 8 PM Eastern/5 Pacific.
Dana told The Zach Gelb Show on CBS Sports Radio that he and @TeamKhabib have been talking & he expects Khabib to return & go for 30-0.
WOW! pic.twitter.com/UqAM19Y1SF
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) October 29, 2020
I’ll tell you this and I haven’t told anybody this yet, but Khabib and I have been talking, said White, as transcribed by Simon Samano for MMA Junkie. He was completely emotional that night when he got through that fight. I have a feeling that he might go for 30-0.
I do [think he’s coming back]. I think that he’s not going to retire. His dad wanted him to get to 30-0 and I think he wants to honor his dad’s wish.
White has said repeatedly that he has an unnamed opponent in mind for Nurmagomedov’s final fight.
I haven’t even told him that, said White. Because he was going to retire, so I haven’t even said it to him. I’m not going to say anything publicly.
What do you think UG? Will Khabib fight again, And if he does, who will he fight?
