UFC president Dana White believes Khabib Nurmagomedov will come out of retirement and fight once more.
The Dagestani fighter announced his retirement from the sport following his submission victory over Justin Gaethje in the lightweight championship fight in the main event of UFC 254.
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After the bout, which Khabib won in the second round despite competing with a broken foot, an emotional Khabib told Jon Anik that he will not be competing again following the loss of his father and coach, Abdulmanap.
"There's no way I'm going to be back without my father," he said after leaving his gloves on the canvas.
"I spoke to my mother. She don't know how I fight without father, but I promised it's going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow it."
Khabib, a man of principles, has already expressed his interest in moving into coaching and continuing his father's legacy in a different way after a sensational MMA career.
However, sitting at 29-0, White has been begging him to change his mind and as per comments made on The Zach Gelb Show, the 51-year-old is confident 'The Eagle' will step in the Octagon one more time.
I have 15 minute interview with @ufc President @danawhite that will air tonight on @CBSSportsRadio at 8 PM Eastern/5 Pacific.
Dana told The Zach Gelb Show on CBS Sports Radio that he and @TeamKhabib have been talking & he expects Khabib to return & go for 30-0.
WOW! pic.twitter.com/UqAM19Y1SF
- Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) October 29, 2020
Dana White tells @ZachGelb that he's been talking to Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he thinks he'll end up coming back for one more. https://t.co/4XBl43R2qJ
- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 29, 2020
A final fight would allow Nurmagomedov the chance to move to 30-0 and potentially even fight in front of fans if the timeframe works out.

UFC Hall of Famer and fellow undefeated former champion George St-Pierre would surely be the main candidate to face the undefeated Khabib in a dream superfight if he can be tempted into making a u-turn.
There is also the curious case of Tony Ferguson. 'El Cucuy' has continued to call out the UFC's pound-for-pound number one to finally meet after their scheduled fight was cancelled on five separate occasions.
Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA, Dana White
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