UFC president Dana White meeting Khabib Nurmagomedov for talks over ‘one more fight’

Lightweight champion retired in October with an undefeated record of 29-0

Alex Pattle
Monday 11 January 2021 07:03 EST
Comments
Khabib Nurmagomedov retires from UFC

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

UFC president Dana White has revealed he is set to meet Khabib Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi this month in the hopes of convincing the Russian to fight one more time.

Nurmagomedov retired in October immediately after retaining his lightweight title with a second-round submission win against Justin Gaethje.

That moment saw ‘The Eagle’ seemingly step away from the sport with an undefeated record of 29-0, citing his mother’s wish for him to retire following his father’s death from coronavirus-related complications at the age of 57 in July. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov also served as Khabib’s head coach.

But ever since that evening in October, White has said he hopes to see the 32-year-old compete at least one more time.

“I’m obviously meeting with him because I think that he should fight again,” White told ESPN.

“Look at what he did to Justin Gaethje [in October]. Look at what he’s done to every opponent he has faced.

“I think he should fight again and I’m going to press him as hard as I can for one more.”

Before his successful title defence against Gaethje in the main event of UFC 254, Nurmagomedov’s previous two victories came against Dustin Poirier in September 2019 and Conor McGregor in October 2018.

Those two men are set to square off in the main event of UFC 257 on 23 January, with many fans believing that the winner is next in line for a lightweight title shot – whether that be against Khabib or for the vacant belt.

McGregor and Poirier previously fought at featherweight in 2014, with the Irishman knocking out the American in the first round.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in