UFC prseident Dana White has revealed that the undefeated UFC lightweight champion from Russia Khabib Nurmagomedov leaves a door open for his return to the Octagon.
Khabib’s last fight was at UFC 254, in October 2020, defeating Justin Gaethje and announcing his retirement.
The Russian icon has confirmed he will watch all the figths at UFC 257 and if any of the contenders do something spectacular, Khabib will fight one of them.
“I thought Nurmagomedov made an emotional decision. There was no reason to make a hasty decision then and I don’t think he had to,” White said.
“He’s the best in the world right now. His best performance was against Gaethje with all that stuff going on. He just needed some time to clear his head. If these guys do what I think they are going to do next weekend, it sounds like he might be interested in fighting one of them.” White added.
Khabib and Conor McGregor clashed as early as October 2018, with the Irishman receiving a veritable correction as they culminate in an out-of-control and controversial rivalry.
“He defeated my worst version by being his best version. And he knows it. That he retires at this point is disconcerting to me, but each one to his own.” McGregor said.
McGregor faces Dustin Poirier in a rematch at UFC 257 on January 23. He believes that his fight with Poirier should be for the lightweight title, although he understands the situation in the division and the reasons why it is not.
“I feel like it should be because of the title. But since I was absent a year I understand that Dana does not want to give me the belt immediately,” McGregor said.
“I think it would be fair for the next fight. I wish it had been in this one, but to some extent it is due to the circumstances regarding Nurmagomedov escaping. They have given him some time, so we’ll see what happens.” he added.
