UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has said he’s retired, and he’s a man of his word. And he has not withdrawn from the USADA testing pool. He told his mother he would retire to assume head of household responsibilities following the death of his father Abdulmanap due to COVID-19 and a heart condition in July. And he and his father long planned to retire at 30-0.
Former champ champ Conor McGregor rematches Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 257 on January 23. Nurmagomedov will be in the audience watching, and has a meeting with UFC president Dana White to discuss his future.
“The Eagle” says the UFC has no one to offer him. His coach Javier Mendez says the only fighter that could lure him back into the Octagon would be welterweight great Georges St-Pierre.
During an appearance on the Shout! Podcast, White offered his perfect world scenario.
When I fly out there, Khabib’s going to be there, too, said White, as transcribed by Damon Martin for MMA Fighting. So I’m going to meet with Khabib while I’m there. In a perfect world, if Conor wins this fight, I would love to see the rematch with him and Khabib. It’s the fight that makes sense.
Poirier has wanted this fight so bad since the first one, and obviously neither one of these guys are the same fighters they were the first time they fought [McGregor earned a TKO (punches) at 1:46 in Round 1, winning Performance of the Night at UFC 178 on September 27, 2014].
It’s a very interesting fight. Conor’s been off for a while, but if you look at his training right now he looks damn good. He’s in great shape. Poirier’s in great shape. Could be a fun one.
UG, what’s your perfect world scenario for Khabib?
