To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals He'll Return To UFC If His Mother 'Gives Her Blessing'

Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals He'll Return To UFC If His Mother 'Gives Her Blessing'

Nurmagomedov promised his mother he would retire after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Khabib Nurmagomedov has one condition when it comes to a potential MMA return - he will need his mother's blessing.

The former UFC lightweight champion stepped away from the promotion in October after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.

His father, Abdulmanap, tragically died back in July and 'The Eagle' said he had no desire to continue fighting, promising his mother the Gaethje fight would be his last.

But he took part in a press conference earlier today and revealed a return could be on the cards as long as his mother agrees.

Nurmagomedov said back in October: "Today I want to say this is my last fight. No way am I coming here without my father.

"I spoke with my mother for three days. She didn't want me to fight without father and I said this is my last fight, I have given her my word.

"Be close with your parents, because you never know what is going to happen."

Nurmagomedov was speaking at a press conference which saw him announce the purchase of Gorilla Fighting Championship.

Image
PA

GFC, as the promotion was formerly known, operates out of Khabib's native Dagestan.

It has now been rebranded Eagle Fighting Championship and will feature on UFC's Fight Pass streaming service.

Nurmagomedov announced he'll be in attendance at UFC 257 in January and it's expected to emanate from Fight Island.

The main event of that show will see Conor McGregor take on Dustin Poirier and when asked about a face off with his former rival, the 32-year-old said per RT: "Why should I think about that?

"I'll act based on the situation. If you don't like someone or they don't like you, it's OK. If I meet someone I don't like, I'll act based on the situation."

When asked if UFC could engineer a meeting between Nurmagomedov and McGregor, he replied: "Now we're having a serious conversation,

"Maybe [they could]. They're able to do that. Anything can happen. It could be Moscow, Abu Dhabi, New York... Believe me, they're the best at that. No one compares to them [the UFC]."

Featured Image Credit: Chisanga Malata/Twitter & UFC

Topics:ย Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA