‘Will Khabib Nurmagomedov return to the UFC?’ is a raging question that would probably never die down
Khabib Nurmagomedov hung up his gloves at UFC 254 in October 2020, after defeating Justin Gaethje via. submission in the second round.
‘The Eagle’ revealed at the post-fight interview that he wouldn’t be able to compete again without his late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov by the ringside. He had also promised his mother that the Gaethje fight would be his last.
Following his announcement there were a ton of speculations about him making a comeback. But he put an end to all those when he officially confirmed his retirement in March, earlier this year.
However, the question about Khabib making a UFC return looks like will never die down. Even UFC President Dana White believes the Russian might come back.
In a recent interview with UFC Russia, Khabib revealed that the UFC and White still have a glimmer of hope that he would return to the UFC.
He then went on to narrate an incident about his manager Ali Abdelaziz and White:
“You know, a few days ago, I don’t know whether I can go on record…Abdelaziz called me a few weeks ago. He asked me, ‘Do you know what Dana White asked me?’ and told me, ‘Why does Khabib never ask me how much money I can offer for his return?’ I asked Abdelaziz, ‘This is the question for me through you or what?’ And he told me, ‘Nah, Dana just asked me.'” [UFC Russia YouTube]
Khabib Nurmagomedov makes it loud and clear
Khabib then made it clear that he had no intentions of returning to the promotion. He said that no amount of money would change his mind, and that the promotion would understand him and his choice.
Khabib was quoted as saying:
“Look, I am really not interested. We went down this road. I said and did everything I wanted. I made the decision. However, he [Dana White] is not giving up. Not even Dana but the entire UFC HQ in Las Vegas. They assume I inflate my price or prepare my agenda for future negotiations. I left, ‘But come on guys, change my mind give me money or something.’ It feels like that for me. I believe they will understand me and my choice eventually.” [UFC Russia YouTube]
Khabib will soon be coaching his fellow Dagestani brothers ahead of their fights across various promotions, in the month of July.
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