D. Cormier (left) is not optimistic about K. Nurmagomedov (right) returning to MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
One of the most notable events of 2020 in MMA was the early retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who left the sport after winning the UFC 254. Two months have passed and the subject remains relevant in the world of sport. Although Dana White remains optimistic that she can bring her star back to the Octagon, Daniel Cormier, a personal friend and training partner of the Russian, believes that the financial side alone will not be enough to convince the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) to return to competition.
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“Dana (White) is going to have to touch something in his spirit to try to get him to fight again, because he's one of those guys who doesn't need much. He makes so much money outside of the Octagon these days and it would have to be something that takes him competitively to come back and fight. I don't think it will be the money that will make him return to the octagon,” said Cormier, in an interview with 'ESPN'.
In a recent interview, Khabib stated that he would consider returning for a fee of US$100 million (around R$520 million), an amount that is beyond the reality of what other champions in the organization receive. The Russian's speech reflects the fighter's desire to stay away.
Nurmagomedov publicly announced his retirement after his victory over Justin gaethje, in October. At the time, still in the octagon, an emotional Khabib stated that he no longer felt like competing without the presence of his father, who passed away in July, a victim of complications from Covid-19.
Even outside the sport, Khabib was retained by the UFC as lightweight champion and also leading the men's pound-for-pound rankings. Today, Khabib has 29 wins and no losses in his MMA career.
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