Undefeated Lightweight champion and recently retired Khabib Nurmagomedov is expected to consider making a shock UFC comeback as president Dana White prepares to make ‘The Eagle’ an offer ‘he can’t refuse’.
Nurmagomedov, 32, recently called time on his illustrious career after his successful and dominate title defence against challenger Justin ‘Highlight’ Gaethje in October.
The unbeaten Dagestani wrestler, who boasts a perfect 29-0 professional record, opted to hang his gloves up after the tragic death of his father saw the 32-year-old claim he does not want to compete without his father being in his corner.
However, according to the pound-for-pound great’s head coach Javier Mendez, who leads American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), an impending offer from White could force Nurmagomedov into reconsidering retirement.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Mendez believes his star athlete won’t go against his mother’s wishes not to continue fighting, but will be tempted into securing her ‘blessing’ in order to make a comeback.
“I think Dana has it in his mind to give him an offer he can’t refuse,” Mendez said. “Let’s face it, how many times has Dana [White] failed at doing something he wanted to do? Not much. Dana does what he says.”
It has been reported that White is set to meet with Nurmagomedov later on Friday and will put forward an offer the former Lightweight champion ‘can’t refuse’.
Should Nurmagomedov agree to make an inspired comeback, possible contenders include number five ranked Tony ‘El Cucuy’ Ferguson (25-5), number-three ranked Charles ‘do Bronx’ Oliveira (30-8) or a re-match with either number four ranked Conor ‘Notorious’ McGregor (22-4), number-two ranked Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier (26-6) or number-one contender Justin Gaethje (22-3).