Ali Abdelaziz has hinted that Khabib Nurmagomedov may be making his hugely anticipated return to the Octagon after announcing his retirement last month. Soon after defeating Justin Gaethje in his third title defense, the undisputed king of the lightweight division Khabib Nurmagomedov stated that he no longer feels the desire to step inside the Octagon without his father by his side.
Staying true to the words he gave to his mother before the Gaethje fight, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement. However, if Abdelaziz’s recent tweet is to be believed, Nurmagomedov might be making his hugely anticipated return to ensure he leaves the Octagon with 30-0.
Earlier, Khabib has revealed that it was his father’s dream to retire with an impeccable record of 30-0. In the lead up to the Gaethje fight, Khaibib had stated that he is looking at a potential Georges St-Pierre fight in April next year.
Soon after Khabib announced his retirement, Georges St-Pierre had also stated that he will be waiting for the Eagle if he ever decides to make a return.
In the past, even UFC President Dana White has said that Khabib was very emotional after the conclusion of UFC 254 and his retirement came in the wake of all those emotions. However, the Dagestani fighter has maintained that he has retired for good.
Will Khabib Nurmagomedov come out of retirement?
Earlier, Khabib’s long time friend and coach Javier Mendez had said that Khabib is a man of his words. He firmly stated that Nurmagomedov has always followed what he has said and feels that the Eagle has retired. However, he left the doors open and feels that it is still possible that we might get to see him again.
Why is Khabib returning?
There are several reasons why Nurmagomedov might decide to step back inside the Octagon. First, Nurmagomedov has always said that it was his father’s dream to see him go 30-0 in his mixed martial arts career. The other reason could well be a potential showdown against Georges St-Pierre. Nurmagomedov could be looking at settling the GOAT debate with a win over the former welterweight kingpin Georges St-Pierre. Additionally, a potential showdown against Tony Ferguson could also be the reason.
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