Khabib Nurmagomedov remains retired for now although the UFC lightweight champion said that returning to the cage is possible. However, that would depend on one person – his mother.
It will be recalled that “The Eagle” shocked the world when he announced his retirement after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. It was Nurmagomedov’s mom who requested him to stop fighting following the death of the Russian’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Despite that announcement, many believed that Nurmagomedov will return to the cage. UFC president Dana White pointed out that his father wanted him to go 30-0 before retiring, technically some unfinished business on his part.
Nothing much has changed since then although Nurmagomedov dipped his hands into mixed martial arts-related investments. He made a $1 million investment to purchase Gorilla Fighting Championship which would, later on, be renamed Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC).
Khabib Nurmagomedov officially announced the formation of Eagle Fighting Championship today.
The promotion's shows will be aired on #UFC Fight Pass.
Additionally, Khabib said he'll only end his retirement from MMA if his mother gives him her blessing. pic.twitter.com/kIunrkVD1b — Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) December 2, 2020
“The organization will change the format–tournaments will be held not only in Russia and the CIS countries, but also in the Arab world, as well as, possibly, in the USA,” per a release when the Russian invested.
In the eyes of pundits, it was a way to keep Nurmagomedov in the MMA circle. However, most are more interested to see him fight again. Journalist Chisanga Malata now reveals that there is a chance that “The Eagle” may unretire provided that he gets the blessing of her mother.
This would be good news for UFC fans who want to see the Russian fighter back in the fold. He remains the UFC lightweight champion and White never stripped him of the belt.
Looking ahead, Nurmagomedov bared that he will be on hand to watch UFC 257 at Fight Island. The main event will feature Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier in what is billed as a warm-up fight for The Notorious. The Irishman is set to face Manny Pacquiao sometime in 2021.
Could he cross paths with Conor McGregor? Nurmagomedov says that it is something that he is not even thinking about.
"I'll act based on the situation. If you don't like someone or they don't like you, it's OK. If I meet someone I don't like, I'll act based on the situation," Nurmadomedov said.
If he does get permission to fight again, a plausible opponent for Nurmagomedov is McGregor. He seems to know that and is leaving the door open on a possible rematch with the Irishman.
"Maybe [they could]. They're able to do that. Anything can happen. It could be Moscow, Abu Dhabi, New York... Believe me, they're the best at that. No one compares to them [the UFC]," Nurmagomedov stated.
