UFC Rumors: White Upcoming Meeting With Nurmagomedov Could Be Make Or Break

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov remains retired, a move he made to honor the wishes of his mother. However, most see his retirement as a temporary pause on his illustrious mixed martial arts career. One person who feels “The Eagle” may still unretire is UFC president Dana White.

Currently busy with UFC 256, which happens Saturday night, White revealed that he will be meeting with Nurmagomedov in January. Most know that the Russian recently purchased his promotion, now better known as Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC), and is trying to affiliate with the UFC. But it seems White has other topics he wants to discuss, TMZ reported.

"The truth is, [Khabib] is not committed to anything," White said. "What he has committed to is meeting with me next month."

Their meeting could provide some clarity on what Nurmagomedov has planned. He is not closing the door on a potential UFC return, although it would require the blessing of his mother. But White may try to knock some sense into him and attempt to persuade him to return to the cage.

"We're gonna find out how persuasive I can be," White said. "I'll bet on me every time."

For White, convincing Nurmageomedov to make his UFC return would not hurt. But if the 32-year-old stands pat on his decision to adhere to his mother’s wishes, his efforts could be futile. The outlook could change over time but seeing it announced in January would be a big development to the mixed martial arts scene.

White has reason to be confident. He pointed out how Nurmageomedov still has some unfinished business.

His late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, wanted him to go 30-0. Nurmagomedov has 29 wins under his belt and is a victory away from fulfilling his father’s wishes.

Though he is not fighting, the UFC champion is making sure that he is still tied to the mixed martial arts scene through EFC. It is his way of giving promising talent a platform to make it to the UFC – which is believed to be the reason why White and Numagomedov will be meeting soon.

But then again, it cannot be discounted that UFC return plans will be part of those talks. So the question now is whether White will succeed in persuading Nurmagomedov to fight once more.