Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Only a Fight Against Muhammad Ali Would Have Forced Him to Come Back

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement after successfully defending his belt against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October. There is still no clarity on whether Nurmagomedov will actually fight again or not. But “The Eagle” seems stern in his stance of retiring.

In an interview with the Russian channel Match TV, the undefeated Dagestani champion was asked what fight can lure him to come back out of retirement. Nurmagomedov’s answer was nothing short of a savage one. He said only a fight against the legendary Muhammad Ali will force him to reconsider his decision.

“Perhaps with Muhammad Ali. But, unfortunately, he is no longer with us,” replied Nurmagomedov.

The legendary Ali passed away in 2016. So, it seems like Nurmagomedov’s chances of ever fighting again are very slim.

A possible super-fight against Georges St-Pierre has been also on his radar. But with St-Pierre approaching 40, and with his inactivity for a considerable amount of time, there are many complications for the bout to ever materialize.

Khabib Nurmagomedov will announce his decision soon

Nurmagomedov will meet Dana White next month in Abu Dhabi to hopefully take a clear decision about his UFC career. Judging by his latest stance, it seems he is actually done competing.

Fans want to see Nurmagomedov clash once again with Conor McGregor. However, he finished the Irishman at UFC 229 and believes he has proved his point.

But with a motivated McGregor returning next month, the chances of these two arch-rivals crossing paths once again are not outside the realm of possibility.

What do you make of Nurmagomedov’s recent comments?