D. White (photo) will have a definitive conversation with K. Nurmagomedov in the coming days. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
In Abu Dhabi for the new season of events on 'Ilha da Luta', the UFC president will take advantage of the trip to have a definitive conversation with one of its biggest stars: Khabib Nurmagomedov. About to have the long-awaited meeting with the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), the 'big boss' will try his last trick to try to convince the Russian to give up his early retirement. The agent, however, assured that the 'chat' will be quick.
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“It will be a five-minute conversation. It's either yes or no,” said White, in an interview with 'MMA Junkie'.
Khabib shocked the world by announcing his retirement from MMA after crashing Justin gaethje and unify the lightweight belt in UFC 254. At the time, the Russian made the announcement while still in the Octagon, very emotional. The athlete claimed that the loss of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in July made him rethink his career and he saw no point in remaining active in the sport.
At the press conference after the show in October, White stated that he would give the champion all the time he needed to recover psychologically. To prove its point, Ultimate chose – even after the 'Águia' announcement – to keep the fighter as lightweight champion and number one in the pound-for-pound division.
“When I left Abu Dhabi last time, we were texting. We went back and forth on why I think he should keep fighting. He was very emotional coming out of that fight. He had time to rest, think about the matter and other things. (…) I think he'll fight, but we'll see”, concluded the 'boss'.
Undefeated in 29 professional MMA fights, Khabib hung up his gloves as one of the greats in the history of the sport. Knowing the prodigy he had in his squad, the agent seeks to convince the fighter to return by appealing to his emotional side. The champion's father's dream was for his son to retire from the sport undefeated, with 30 commitments.
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