Skip to content

White expects Khabib to return, go for 30-0 record

Josh Hedges / UFC / Getty

UFC president Dana White believes Khabib Nurmagomedov may come back to the Octagon for one more fight.

White revealed Thursday he's talked to Nurmagomedov since the lightweight champion's retirement announcement last weekend.

"He was completely emotional that night when he got through that fight," White said during an appearance on "The Zach Gelb Show" on CBS Sports Radio. "I have a feeling that he might go for 30-0.

"I think he's not gonna retire," White added. "His dad wanted him to get to 30-0, and I think he wants to honor his dad's wish."

Nurmagomedov (29-0) said after his victory over Justin Gaethje he didn't want to continue in the sport without his father and longtime coach, Abdulmanap, who died in July from a heart condition complicated by COVID-19.

The 32-year-old also said he promised his mother he would retire after the fight.

"If I give my word, I have to follow this," Nurmagomedov said in his postfight interview.

Nurmagomedov doubled down on his decision to retire Tuesday, saying it felt like the right time because he had become the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.

"The mission is accomplished," Nurmagomedov said. "What else is there to do?"

White originally said he believed Nurmagomedov would stay retired.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox