Businessman predicts Khabib's return to the Octagon in 2020: 'He hasn't retired'

K. Nurmagomedov in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

The tragic death of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, victim of complications from COVID-19, was certainly a blow to Khabib's life. Away from the media after his father's death, the Russian has not yet spoken out about the incident and remains unavailable to speak. The athlete's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, however, confirmed that the fighter will perform in 2020, in the confrontation against Justin gaethje, for the unification of the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg.).

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“Khabib is not retiring. He still has goals, things he wants to achieve. You will see it before the end of the year. Now he, Dana and I are talking to determine a date. I'm sure Dana will make it public when Khabib is going to fight,” said Ali in an interview with 'TMZ Sports'.

Also responsible for managing Gaethje's career, Abdelaziz speaks with excitement about the confrontation between two of his most important pupils. The businessman spoke about the expectation of putting today's great athletes face to face.

“We have a big main fight. He (Khabib) against Justin gaethje, two of the best lightweights in the world and of the new generation. We've seen what Khabib does against his opponents. We saw what Justin gaethje did with his last four opponents. He dismantled Tony Ferguson, made him look like an amateur. They will fight,” he stated.

Abdelaziz took the opportunity to update fans on the current condition of Khabib, whose life was shaken by the death of his greatest mentor. According to the agent, the moment is delicate, but the Russian will be able to overcome the difficulty.

“Khabib is a different breed. Of course your heart is broken. He is your father, your mentor and best friend. But in the end, Khabib's father had a legacy and wanted his son to fulfill it. Khabib is a living legend and that's what legends live by. They arise from adversity, from death, from many things”, he concluded.

Before Abdulmanap's death, the meeting between Khabib and Justin was being negotiated to take place on September 19, at UFC 253. The fatality, however, left the negotiations open. Ultimate's president, Dana White, stated in some recent statements that he intends to give the Russian time to overcome the trauma and feel comfortable returning to work.