Khabib Makes Huge Statement Ahead Of Conor McGregor's Comeback Against Dustin Poirier

Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks the winner of Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 will be the next lightweight champion.

Nurmagomedov announced his retirement back in October after defeating Justin Gaethje, but he's still technically the lightweight champion.

Next month will see McGregor and Poirier go at it on 'Fight Island' and Nurmagomedov expects one of the two to take his place at the top of the division.

"Top three [lightweight] fighters right now?" Nurmagomedov said per MMA Fighting. "Poirier, McGregor and [Islam] Makhachev. He is not in the top-five yet, but those are the best fighters.

"My belt will be taken by the winner of Dustin and Conor."

No official announcement has been made regarding McGregor vs Poirier being for the title.

McGregor is a former lightweight champion while Poirier is a former interim champion.

PA

PA

Both men have lost to 'The Eagle' in title matches, during 2018 and 2019 respectively.

UFC president Dana White is confident he can make the Russian fighter reverse his retirement decision.

PA

The 32-year-old promised his mother he would retire following the tragic death of his father, Abdulmanap, in July.

Nurmagomedov is aware of White's desire to see him return and the duo will meet in January.

"We are in touch with Dana White, we have not discussed why the belt is not vacant," he continued.

"Apparently they want me to come back. I have been in league for nine years, there is already a history, a fan base, their desires are clear.

"I will not hide the fact that they offer to return, offer conditions, [and] fighters. We will meet with Dana soon, we will discuss. I would not like there to be a possibility that I will return."

PA

White told TMZ earlier this month: "The truth is, he has not committed to anything.

"What he has committed to is meeting with me next month. He and I are going to sit down, we're going to meet next month.

"We're going to find out how persuasive I can be - I'll bet on me every time."

Who do you think will be the next UFC lightweight champion? Or do you think Khabib Nurmagomedov will make a sensational return?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, Dustin Poirier, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_