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UFC President Dana White Confirms Khabib Nurmagomedov's Return Date And Opponent

UFC President Dana White Confirms Khabib Nurmagomedov's Return Date And Opponent

Nurmagomedov will return to the UFC this year.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Dana White says MMA superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to the UFC against interim champion Justin Gaethje on October 24.

Nurmagomedov sadly lost his father and trainer, Abdulmanap, earlier this month following a series of complications from COVID-19.

He passed away in Moscow with fans and critics wondering whether he'd continue fighting without his father in his corner.

But the UFC president has confirmed that Nurmagomedov will indeed resume his MMA career.

The lightweight king is set to fight interim lightweight champion Gaethje at UFC 255 on October 24.

Further reports claim the title bout could take place on 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi.

Image: PA
Image: PA

White spoke about Nurmagomedov's situation to CNN: "It's been very rough on him.

"His father was a hero to him, he loved his father, they had a very close relationship and it was very hard on him."

He added: "It's going to happen, tell you right here right now. That fight is going to happen. Khabib versus Gaethje, October 24."

Nurmagomedov, 31, hasn't fought since his submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 last September.

He was supposed to face Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in April before the coronavirus pandemic forced him out of the main-event bout.

Of course, Gaethje replaced Nurmagomedov and beat Ferguson to claim the UFC interim lightweight title.

If the Russian fighter beats Gaethje, it has been reported that his 30th professional bout would be his final.

And White would entertain a super-fight between Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre.

"Sure. Yeah, it's the last fight of his career the guy, the guys been great," he explained.

"He's been great to the company, he's been great for the sport. And, I like Khabib Nurmagomedov a lot and I would do anything Khabib wanted to do."

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Khabib Nurmagomedov

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, Fight News, UFC, Dana White