By FCF Staff

Dana White is planning to meet with Khabib Nurmagomedov soon, in an effort to convince him to fight one more time. But, even if his bid to have the champ end his retirement fails, White says Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier won’t be fighting for the belt at UFC 257.

Nurmagomedov announced he was retiring this past October, after he choked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Since White hopes to convince Nurmagomedov to fight one more time, and pursue the 30-0 mark, the undefeated fighter hasn’t been stripped of the title yet.

Some have wondered, however, that if White can’t convince Khabib to return in their upcoming meeting, whether a title could be put on the line at UFC 257. But, while talking to ESPN recently, White said this (quote via MMA Junkie).

“If Khabib does retire, then whoever the highest ranked guy is at the time will end up facing Conor if Conor beats Poirier and would end up fighting for the title, I’m sure,” White said.

And while discussing Khabib’s retirement, and his hope the star will fight again, White said this.

“As a promoter, you always want the best guys in the world. But when a guy wants to retire, he probably should,” White said. “But the difference with a guy like Khabib is that he’s been through so much and losing his dad is such a major blow to him. It was something that they did together and his dad wanted him to hit 30-0. But as a fight fan, I want Khabib to fight 10 more.”

UFC 257 will be hosted by Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.