D. White at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
Involved in MMA for over 20 years, Dana White knows the sport and the athletes he works with like few others. Therefore, it is not surprising that the 'boss' continues to believe in the return of Khabib Nurmagomedov – retired since October – to sport. Talking about the UFC 257, which will promote the meeting between Conor McGregor e Dustin poirier, on January 23, the president guaranteed that there would be no belt involved in the clash, keeping the 'Eagle' at the highest point in the category.
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“No (there will be a title fight in the UFC 257). Khabib will fight again. I believe this. The fight (between McGregor and Poirier) is not for the title”, said White, speaking to the press, in Las Vegas.
Since Nurmagomedov announced his early retirement from MMA, when he hit Justin gaethje and unified the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg.), in UFC 254, White remained skeptical about the Russian's decision. Just a week later, the 'boss' revealed a conversation with the fighter and expressed confidence in the fighter's return.
“He didn’t confirm (his return), but I believe he will. Really, I'm not forcing it. (…) Let him rest a little, spend time with his family, enjoy the end of the year. There’s no rush,” he concluded.
Even without the biggest star in the category, the president has plenty of reasons to celebrate. In January, at UFC 257, White will have the new return of Conor McGregor, which guarantees high figures for Ultimate and its partners.
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