Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals He'll Return To UFC If His Mother 'Gives Her Blessing'
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Khabib Nurmagomedov has one condition when it comes to a potential MMA return - he will need his mother's blessing.
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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.
Khabib Nurmagomedov officially announced the formation of Eagle Fighting Championship today.
The promotion's shows will be aired on #UFC Fight Pass.
Additionally, Khabib said he'll only end his retirement from MMA if his mother gives him her blessing. pic.twitter.com/kIunrkVD1b
- Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) December 2, 2020
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."
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?
Umar Nurmagomedov will make his long-awaited debut at #UFC257, which, of course, is headlined by Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor II.
Umar will face Sergey Morozov.
Could be a tense fight week atmosphere as Khabib will no doubt be in his cousin's corner & present throughout.
:neutral_face:
- Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) November 25, 2020
"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: Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA
