Dana White Believes Khabib Nurmagomedov Will Fight Again

Despite evidence to the contrary, Dana White appears confident that Khabib Nurmagomedov will not stick to his UFC 254 post-fight declaration that he was retiring from the sport.

“Khabib and I have been talking,” White said on the Zach Gelb show. “He was completely emotional that night when he got through that fight. I have a feeling that he might go for 30-0.”

“I think that he’s not going to retire. His dad wanted him to get to 30-0, and I think he wants to honor his dad’s wish.”

However, after making his triumphant return to his homeland, Khabib reiterated his intention to bow out of the sport.

“Of course (UFC president) Dana (White) wants me to continue fighting and generate revenue,” Nurmagomedov said. “I can make money myself.

I’m at the peak of my career and can fight for very large purses, but I made this decision, and I think this is the best time.

Not everyone can retire at their peak, but I know that in a year, two or five (years) I’d have to face that decision again. I did enough in the sport to be considered the best.

Today, I was ranked as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, so the mission is accomplished.

What else is there to do? Make money? I’ll always be able to do that.”

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.