UFC president Dana White meeting Khabib Nurmagomedov for talks over ‘one more fight’

Lightweight champion retired in October with an undefeated record of 29-0

UFC president Dana White has revealed he is set to meet Khabib Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi this month in the hopes of convincing the Russian to fight one more time.

Nurmagomedov retired in October immediately after retaining his lightweight title with a second-round submission win against Justin Gaethje.

That moment saw ‘The Eagle’ seemingly step away from the sport with an undefeated record of 29-0, citing his mother’s wish for him to retire following his father’s death from coronavirus-related complications at the age of 57 in July. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov also served as Khabib’s head coach.

But ever since that evening in October, White has said he hopes to see the 32-year-old compete at least one more time.

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“I’m obviously meeting with him because I think that he should fight again,” White told ESPN.

“Look at what he did to Justin Gaethje [in October]. Look at what he’s done to every opponent he has faced.

“I think he should fight again and I’m going to press him as hard as I can for one more.”

Before his successful title defence against Gaethje in the main event of UFC 254, Nurmagomedov’s previous two victories came against Dustin Poirier in September 2019 and Conor McGregor in October 2018.

Those two men are set to square off in the main event of UFC 257 on 23 January, with many fans believing that the winner is next in line for a lightweight title shot – whether that be against Khabib or for the vacant belt.

McGregor and Poirier previously fought at featherweight in 2014, with the Irishman knocking out the American in the first round.