Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to the UFC by the end of 2020 to defend his title against Justin Gaethje - according to his manager.
Many have speculated when the Russian would step back into the octagon following the death of his father Abdulmanap earlier this month.
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Ali Abdelaziz recently spoke to TMZ Sports to clear the air and reiterated that 'The Eagle' has no plans to retire.
"Khabib is not retiring," he began.
"Khabib, you know, he has some goals, he has some [things] to accomplish.
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"I'm sure Dana's [White] going time let everybody know when is Khabib going to fight.
"We have a blockbuster main event [Khabib] versus Justin Gaethje.
"Two of the best lightweights in the world today in the recent era, we see what Justin Gaethje did to his last opponent.
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"He dismantled Tony Ferguson, he made him look an absolute amateur."
Gaethje is also a client of Abdelaziz's and when pressured to reveal a date for the fight, he explained it's up to UFC president Dana White to announce, but said to expect it sometime this year.
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"This is Dana White's job, he's the promoter, I don't want to speak on his behalf, but you will see Khabib before the end of the year.
"Dana White should be the one delivering the news, it's not my position to tell you, but everything is lovely, and you'll see Khabib and Justin fighting before the year for sure."
Khabib last fought in September when he successfully defended his title against Dustin Poirier to take his record to 28 straight wins.
However, the shock death of his father who also acted as his MMA trainer has left the 31-year-old "heartbroken."
"Everybody understands how close Khabib and his father were," Abdelaziz continued.
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"Of course he's [Khabib] heartbroken, it's his father, it's his mentor, it's his best friend, but at the end of the day, Khabib's father has a legacy he wanted Khabib to accomplish.
"We lost something very important and the UFC's been so awesome, especially Dana.
"He's been communicating with Khabib, the whole team has been amazing."
White addressed Khabib's situation earlier this week and also stated his fight with 'The Highlight' likely isn't under threat.
"I don't think it's off the table. I'm just waiting to hear from him. I'm not messing with Khabib," he said.
The 50-year-old added: "I'm leaving him alone until he's ready to talk and letting him mourn and do what he has to do.
"I reached out to him the day of... I haven't heard back from him since."
Featured Image Credit: PA Images & TMZTopics:ย Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA, Dana White
