Khabib Nurmagomedov

By FCF Staff

Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly said several times now that he’s done fighting. But, UFC President Dana White believes the undefeated lightweight will return to the cage.

Nurmagomedov announced he was retiring following his win over Justin Gaethje last month, which moved his record to 29-0. The 32-year-old reported that after his father passed away earlier this year, he told his mother the bout would be his last.

Although Nurmagomedov has repeated that he’s retired, while talking with the media since, more recently he revealed he remains in USADA’s testing program. During a recent press conference, White cited that fact, while repeating his contention that Khabib will fight again (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I told you guys that I think he’s going to go to 30 (wins),” White said. “If he’s still testing – why the hell would you want to test still if you’re not going to fight?

“He hasn’t committed, but I feel like he’s going to, and I’m not really pushing him. We talked about it and he just fought. Let him take some time, spend some time with his family, spend the holidays. There’s no rush.”

White also stated that the planned, January 23rd bout between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier will not be for the lightweight title.