UFC chief Dana White meets Khabib Nurmagomedov amid Conor McGregor rematch talk

UFC chief Dana White appears to have initiated talks with former undefeated champion Khabib Nurmagomedov regarding a sensational return to the sport. The Russian lightweight, who accumulated a 29-0-0 record during his time in the UFC, retired from fighting after his second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje in October.

Nurmagomedov explained at the time that the reason for his decision was the absence of his father, Abdulmanap, who died last year after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

However, UFC president Dana White has openly admitted that he is keen to entice the 32-year-old into a return to the octagon, possibly against former opponent Conor McGregor.

Both parties are currently in Abu Dhabi ahead of UFC 257, which will see the Irishman aim to defeat Dustin Poirier for a second time in his first bout since the technical knockout win over Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone last year.

A video posted to White’s Twitter account on Friday serves as a massive hint that Nurmagomedov could be in line to fight again.

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The UFC chief was shown guiding the Russian into an empty room before closing the door behind them, suggesting that negotiations between the pair could already be underway.

White captioned the clip: “Here we go… #TeamKhabib.”

Nurmagomedov’s coach Javier Mendez has claimed that his fighter could be tempted to return, with the prospect of a monumental payout resulting from a fight with McGregor potentially leaving the Russian unable to turn down the opportunity.

“I think Dana has it in his mind to give him an offer he can’t refuse,” Mendez told SunSport.

“Let’s face it, how many times has Dana failed at doing something he wanted to do? Not much. Dana does what he says.”

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However, Mendez also suggested that Nurmagomedov may opt against a final bout if his mother is against the idea.

“I think that if his mother says no, it’s no,” he added. “But, I wouldn’t rule out the fact that Dana gives him something to talk to his mother about and get her blessing.”

It remains to be seen whether Nurmagomedov and McGregor will face off again in what could possibly be the UFC’s biggest ever fight.

The Russian dominated the first meeting between the pair, using his superb ground work to beat McGregor to a pulp before claiming a fourth-round submission victory.

The Irishman will need to avoid an upset against Poirier at UFC 257 to stake his claim for another chance to add Nurmagomedov to his list of beaten opponents.

source: express.co.uk