UFC Rumors: Khabib Nurmagomedov Sets One Condition For Him To Unretire

Khabib Nurmagomedov remains retired, but most feel that the reigning UFC lightweight champion will eventually return.

UFC president Dana White believes that “The Eagle” has unfinished business, that of which is to reach the 30-0 record that his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, wanted him to accomplish.

Now, a new twist that should delight Nurmagomedov fans has emerged. Combat sports journalist Chisanga Malata reveals that there is now a chance that the 32-year-old champion will end his retirement but under one condition–his mother gives him her blessing.

Nurmagomedov publicly confirmed it during a press conference that formally announced his purchase of Gorilla Fighting Championship. For those who missed it, it is the same promotion that the UFC lightweight champion bought for $1 million.

In a previous post, it was mentioned how this could be Nurmagomedov’s way of keeping himself abreast with the mixed martial arts scene. It will be renamed to Eagle Fighting Championship, which operates just out of Nurmadomedov’s native Dagestan.

“The organization will change the format–tournaments will be held not only in Russia and the CIS countries, but also in the Arab world, as well as, possibly, in the USA,” read a previous release tied to the Dec. 2 press conference.

Aside from that, Nurmagomedov revealed that he will be attending UFC 257 in January to watch the Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier main event expected to emanate from Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

When asked if he would face off with his former rival, Nurmagomedov responded by saying he was not even thinking about that.

"I'll act based on the situation. If you don't like someone or they don't like you, it's OK. If I meet someone I don't like, I'll act based on the situation," Nurmadomedov said.

Looking ahead and assuming his mother does give Nurmagomedov the green light to return to action, it cannot be discounted that a rematch with Conor McGregor is on the table.

Should the UFC arrange one, here is what the undefeated Russian had to say: "Maybe [they could]. They're able to do that. Anything can happen. It could be Moscow, Abu Dhabi, New York... Believe me, they're the best at that. No one compares to them [the UFC]."