Dana White Drops Definitive Statement on Potential Khabib Nurmagomedov Return

Khabib Nurmagomedov is making headlines even after his retirement. Following an undefeated streak in the UFC, the Dagestani legend’s call to do away with fighting shocked everyone. Despite repeated attempts, nobody could persuade Nurmagomedov to come back. Now, almost 6 years after his retirement, Dana White has confirmed that the 29-0 fighter is not coming back. 

Dana White Shrugs Off Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Comeback

During UFC 330, a locker room video showed Nurmagomedov trying on the UFC gloves. Looking at this, several fans got excited and started speculating how Nurmagomedov might be making a return to the octagon. At the post-fight presser, the same question was raised when the UFC CEO was quick to dismiss the idea. 

White said, “Listen when he was trying to retire I was all over that f*****g guy. I don't think you'll get him back now. Plus he's gotta weigh like 225 or something now.” 

Back in 2020, Nurmagomedov decided to hang up his gloves immediately after his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away. ‘The Eagle’ stated that he had promised his mother not to fight in the absence of his father. Thus, despite a lot of persuading from White and others, Khabib remained retired. 

Dana White Thinks Islam Makhachev has Surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov 

Following his retirement, Nurmagomedov transitioned to being a coach. While he has gotten a lot of students performing on the highest level, the best of the lot is surely Islam Makhachev. Currently, the 34-year-old is a two-division champion. Coming up to the welterweight division, Makhachev has already defended his title successfully against Ian Garry. 

Reflecting on Khabib’s five-star student’s success, White said, “Obviously, Islam has accomplished a lot more than Khabib because he fought longer.” 

Currently, there’s no telling how much more Makhachev will achieve. Thus, with a lot of hopes pinned on his shoulders, fans will be eager to see what comes next.