‘I’ve a sense he would possibly go for 30-Zero’: Dana White reveals talks with Khabib, says UFC champ might REVERSE retirement determination

UFC boss Dana White has urged that light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov may very well be tempted again into the octagon regardless of the Russian’s announcement that he was retiring following his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.

Combating for the primary time because the demise of his father and coach Abdulmanap, an emotional Khabib broke down within the octagon after submitting Gaethje within the second spherical of their light-weight title combat in Abu Dhabi final weekend.

The undefeated Russian lay down his gloves and revealed he had made a vow to his mom that it could be his final ever contest, after bettering his unblemished file to 29-Zero. 

The announcement took the MMA world without warning – together with Khabib’s personal coach, Javier Mendez, who confessed he had no concept that the light-weight king was going to name it quits. 

READ MORE: ‘He was all over’: Khabib coach suggests ’emotional’ UFC star might reverse retirement determination

UFC supremo White was additionally left surprised, however now says he has talked to Khabib in latest days and has a sense it is not the final we’ve seen of The Eagle contained in the octagon. 

“I will inform you this, and I have not informed anyone this but, however Khabib and I’ve been speaking,” White informed Zach Gelb on CBS Sports activities Radio on Thursday.

“He was fully emotional that evening when he received via that combat. I’ve a sense that he would possibly go for 30-Zero.”

“I feel that he’s not going to retire. His dad wished him to get to 30-Zero, and I feel he needs to honor his dad’s want.”

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The 30-Zero mark was one Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had spoken of in recent times as a goal earlier than his tragic demise in July from problems stemming from a coronavirus an infection.

Within the lead-up to UFC 254 a lot of the discuss had been round who Khabib might face after Gaethje, with retired Canadian legend Georges St-Pierre a outstanding identify within the dialogue. 

White mentioned earlier than UFC 254 that he had one thing “particular” lined up for Khabib ought to he overcome Gaethje, however declined to say on Thursday what that is perhaps.   

“I have not even mentioned it to [Khabib], so I am not going to say something,” the UFC boss informed CBS. 

Returning to Russia this week, the 32-year-old Khabib reiterated that his determination to stroll away from the octagon was last – however admitted the announcement so quickly after his victory over Gaethje had even taken his mom without warning.