UFC Rumors: Nurmagomedov Handler Feels This Fighter Will Goad Russian Back Into Cage

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov remains retired, but some are expecting the Russian to unretire at some point. That all hinges on whether or not the mother of the 32-year-old will give him her blessing. However, Khabib’s handler feels that one name could convince the champ to fight again, and it’s not Conor McGregor.

Nurmagomedov's manager Ali Abdelaziz said he feels that the Russian may consider a return to the cage if Georges St-Pierre returns to the cage in 2021, TMZ reported.

"Honestly, I think if Georges St-Pierre is serious about coming back to fight, I could see it happening, that would get Khabib up," Abdelaziz said.

“Rush” has not fought since 2017. He last faced Michael Bisping at UFC 217, making his middleweight debut and winning the UFC Middleweight title. However, he vacated the title not long after, revealing he was dealing with ulcerative colitis.

At UFC 223, Nurmagomedov called out GSP, but the 39-year-old declined since he was not medically cleared. But it appears he was able to overcome this medical episode, announcing via the "La Sueur" podcast in December 2018 that he had made a complete recovery from ulcerative colitis.

Rather than announce a return to mixed martial arts fighting, St-Pierre revealed he was retiring on Feb. 21, 2019.

Just recently, GSP showed off his great physique, which sparked rumors of a potential cage return. But while he admitted that it was something that could happen, the chances are small, CBS Sports reported.

"For a fighter and a guy like me the most exciting thing to do, it's also the scariest thing to do," he said. "It's to face someone who seems invincible, someone who's never been beaten — to have a challenge that everybody, even your friends, even your entourage tells you 'Hey you shouldn't do it. You can't do it. It's impossible.'”

It may be small, but it is also something that Abdelaziz feels would spur Nurmagomedov back into the ring. Aside from the Canadian, the longtime friend and manager of the Russian thinks no one else may be able to convince Nurmagomedov to make a ring return – including McGregor.

"I think financially it’s a huge fight. But, we know Khabib, it’s hard to persuade him financially," Abdelaziz stated.