UFC chief Dana White says he will ‘press him as hard as he can’ to tempt Khabib Nurmagomedov back to the octagon
DANA WHITE has vowed to press Khabib Nurmagomedov ‘as hard as he can’ to secure the Russian’s return to UFC.
After defeating Justin Gaethje in October, the undefeated star shocked fans by calling it a day.
Khabib Nurmagomedov bid a tearful farewell to MMA last year[/caption] Dana White believes there is still the chance of a comeback for the lightweight champion[/caption]Khabib exited MMA with a prestigious 29-0 record following the death of his father last year.
But UFC chief White will try and tempt him back when meeting with the 32-year-old in the coming days.
He told ESPN: “I’m obviously meeting with him because I believe that he should fight again.
“I mean, look at what he did to Justin Gaethje. Look at what he’s done to every opponent he has faced.
“Like when I wanted [Daniel] Cormier to stay, I still think they’re the best in the world.
“And then there’s always the argument, well, it’s never a bad thing to go out on top.
“And when you talk about money, I mean Khabib has money beyond belief.
“This guy doesn’t ever have to work again and he still has the ability to do things to make unbelievable money.
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“He’s in a very unique position as a fighter.
“I have no idea [how the meeting is going to go] but I think he should fight again and I’m gonna press him as hard as I can for one more.”
White accepted that it can be hard, as a promoter, to ask a fighter to return after they have decided to quit.
But the American, 51, remarked that ‘as a fight fan’ he would want to see Khabib in ‘ten more’ fights.
One potential opponent fans would love to see the lightweight king duel with is Conor McGregor.
White agreed with that sentiment and hopes the Irishman will be able to fight Khabib after facing Dustin Poirier later this month.
If this Conor sticks around for the next year, how do you not do Conor versus Khabib again?
Dana White
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The fight boss continued: “No matter what you think of Conor personally, he is not only one of the best in the world but one of the best ever.
“Right now, he’s as focused as he’s ever been.
“I don’t know if this is going to be the same Conor as after the Poirier fight… if this Conor sticks around for the next year, how do you not do Conor versus Khabib again?”