Fans are waiting to hear The Eagle’s decision after he decided to hang up his gloves at UFC 254, after defeating Justin Gaethje.
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It’s been more than four months since Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped into the Octagon to fight. The last time out was at UFC 254 where he defeated Justin Gaethje to take his professional score to 29 – 0. Since his last appearance, fans are desperately waiting and wanting Khabib back in the Octagon, including UFC President Dana White. He gave his thoughts on Khabib at a press conference during UFC 259. Dana has made a lot of efforts for Khabib to make a comeback at UFC, but the fighter from Russia is a man of his word. Dana said “You don’t hear Khabib saying ‘leave me alone, stop asking me’ so, there’s still a chance. That’s the way I look at it.” The UFC president also stated that he would have dinner with Khabib and his team to discuss the Lightweight champion’s future.
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Khabib dropped one of the biggest hints on his social media where he uploaded a photo with former UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta in which Khabib wrote, “It was good to see you Lorenzo. @DanaWhite send me location”. We don’t really know what is going to happen but it looks like a positive sign.
White did not say a lot about the future of the lightweight division at the moment but did mention that Khabib is always welcome to come back and defend his belt in the Octagon again. Charles Oliviera was the last fighter we know, who was about to have his title shot after Poirier defeated McGregor at UFC 257 but that didn’t happen. It looks as if White is not willing to decide until Khabib has his final say about his future in UFC. As of now, Khabib has plenty of options like getting into full time coaching but the important thing here is that he holds the championship belt. Till he decides his future, the division will have to keep waiting.
[Image Credit: Khabib “the Eagle” Nurmagomedov]
Shashank Iyer