‘I have a feeling that he might go for 30-0’: UFC president Dana White thinks Khabib Nurmagomedov will be back for one more fight as he insists ‘nobody knew’ the Russian was set to retire after beating Justin Gaethje
- Khabib Nurmagomedov retired immediately after beating Justin Gaethje
- Russian had promised his mother he would not fight against without late father
- Dana White believes it was an emotional decision that he may turn back on
UFC president Dana White believes that Khabib Nurmagomedov may not be done with the octagon just yet.
Nurmagomedov surprisingly announced his retirement from mixed martial arts following his brilliant submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Saturday, a win that extended the lightweight champion’s flawless record to 29-0.
The Russian removed his gloves and revealed he had promised his mother he would no longer fight on without late father Abdulmanap by his side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from MMA after beating Justin Gaethje
Dana White believes that the undefeated Russian may still have one more fight in him
Abdulmanap’s death following complications from coronavirus earlier this has had a seismic impact on Khabib and all of those emotions poured out of the champion in Abu Dhabi.
And White thinks this was an ’emotional’ decision that the 32-year-old could turn back on
‘Nobody knew, not even his coach,’ White told CBS Sports when asked if he had any indications that Khabib had plans to retire leading up to the bout.
Khabib said he had promised his mother he would not fight again after the UFC 254 main event
‘I was sitting there going ‘oh my God, you gotta be kidding me’. But I’ll tell you this and I haven’t told anybody this… Khabib and I have been talking.
‘You know, he was completely emotional that night when he got through that fight. I have a feeling that he might go for 30-0.
‘I think that he’s not going to retire. His Dad wanted him to get to 30-0 and I think he wants to honour his Dad’s wish.’
