Since Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement last weekend there has been much speculation of a possible return and UFC president Dana White thinks it’s possible.
‘The Eagle’ successfully defended his lightweight title for a third time by submitting interim-champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 last weekend via a second-round triangle choke.
The Russian retired in his post-fight interview, citing the reason that his mother didn’t want him to fight without his father who died earlier this year due to complications from coronavirus.
But speaking on Thursday, White hinted that his star fighter was considering a u-turn on his decision.
‘Khabib and I have been talking,’ he said. ‘He was completely emotional that night when he got through that fight. I have a feeling he might go for 30-0. I think that he’s not going to retire. His dad wanted him to get to 30-0 and I think he would want to honour his dad’s wish.’
It has been said that Nurmagomedov’s father Abdulmanp – who was his coach as a child – wanted him to retire at 30-0. Such was their bond that it’s very possible that Khabib will honour this.
His father also expressed that he wanted his son to fight former welterweight champion, and considered by some as the greatest ever, Georges St-Pierre.
Nurmagomedov’s head coach Javier Mendez said he was there when Abdulmanap told Khabib to fight St-Pierre saying: ‘That was the one he talked about as the fight his father would want to see… him fight GSP at 155 pounds.’
St-Pierre has expressed his interest in the fight also saying: ‘As a competitor maybe I would like to have had an agreement to make a fight with him [Nurmagomedov], to organize it for us as fighters and also for fans.’
Nurmagomedov also had a fight proposition for St-Pierre after the latter defeated Michael Bisping for the middlweight title in February last year. However, St-Pierre retired after that victory himself.
Trying to lure St-Pierre into a fight last year he wrote on Instagram: “Let’s do it in November. After this fight you can retire. I grew up on your fights, and have nothing but respect for you, and I believe I showed that to you Georges when you were in Moscow. But, it would be an honour for me to share the Octagon with one of the greatest fighters of all time. Let’s do it at 155 lbs, or I give away 5lbs to you, cause you’re neve done 155.
‘Well, it’s your choice 155 or 160, Montreal, NYC, Moscow or Abu Dhabi. Send me location my Friend.’
However, despite the rumours it must be warned that White has misled the fans before with outlandish statements. But in this case this prospected fight is something all fans are hoping for.
By Tom Reed
