Khabib Nurmagomedov (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Khabib Nurmagomedov is remaining focused on the task at hand: defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 later this month. But, the lightweight champ has apparently been told by UFC President Dana White that the promotion has something special planned for after the fight.

Nurmagomedov will Gaethje in the headliner of the October 24th card, and if he wins, his record will stand at 29-0. There has been speculation regarding whether Nurmagomedov could retire in the near future, especially since his father, coach and mentor Abdulmanap passed away earlier this year.

During a recent media call, Nurmagomedov was asked about the possibility of retiring, and the 32-year-old said this (quote via MMA Junkie).

“I don’t think (I’ll retire),” Nurmagomedov said. “We have a couple of options. We’re going to think about this after this fight. Dana told me, after this fight, he has something special for me. I told him, ‘Please keep this (to yourself). After the fight, we’re going to talk.’ They said, ‘We have very big things after this fight for you.’ We’ll see.”

Nurmagomedov has repeatedly said he wants to fight the legend Georges St-Pierre. But following the champ’s comments, his manager Ali Abdelaziz tweeted out this.

I can guarantee you that surprise won’t be Conor or GSP
It’s completely between me and Dana
It will be something big
But let’s show some respect to Justin
This is the best lightweight title bout in the history

I can guarantee you that surprise won’t be conor or GSP
It’s completely between me and Dana
It will be something big
But let’s show some respect to Justin
This is the best lightweight title bout in the history

— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) October 1, 2020

UFC 254 will take place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.