Khabib Nurmagomedov Giving Aspiring MMA Fighters Chance To Break UFC Through Own Promotion

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has not closed the door on a return to the cage but is making sure he is still tied to the promotion.

The Russian made a curious investment to put up the Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC), a move that led many to believe that he still has the itch to fight.

Nurmagomedov’s intent is clear. He wants to stay involved with the sport and has been in discussions with UFC president Dana White.

However, it appears that the gist of those talks is about giving EFC the necessary exposure with the help of the UFC and becoming a developmental hub for homegrown talents.

The intent of the 32-year-old should entice aspiring mixed martial artists, who could end up getting a big push and a ticket to the UFC if they impress the celebrated Russian fighter.

“It’s no secret everyone wants to get into the UFC. Other promotions want their fighters to stay. I don’t want that. I want EFC to be a launchpad into the world stage,” Nurmagomedov said in a recent press conference via MMA Junkie.

Clearly, “The Eagle” is not looking to compete with the UFC. Instead, he wants to partner with White and the company by broadcasting his organization's future events through its digital platform such as the UFC Fight Pass.

“I had this offer to Dana White. I wanted to make a contract with UFC Fight Pass to broadcast EFC fights there,” Nurmagdomedov stated.

Nurmagomedov would rather focus on short-term goals for now. He knows that it takes years to emulate the success of the UFC. EFC does have dreams of becoming one of the best outfits in the world but is content with its current set of objectives for now.

Other than that, most are keeping tabs with Nurmagomedov to see when he will make his return to the Octagon.

White feels that Nurmagomedov will unretire at some point, and the latter hinted that he is open to the idea. However, that all depends on whether his mother gives him her blessings.