UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has put the promotion in limbo due to his retirement decision. The undefeated Dagestani has been at the helm of the lightweight division since he won the belt at UFC 223. However, he announced his retirement after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, in his latest title defense.

But the promotion doesn’t want to let their champion go. They have held on to the slimmest hopes of getting ‘The Eagle’ back to the Octagon. Nurmagomedov has not been stripped of his belt yet, despite being seemingly retired.

‘The Eagle’ drops a vague hint

Nurmagomedov made a cryptic tweet recently, further intensifying the rumors of what’s next for him.

“It was good to see you Lorenzo @danawhite send me location,” he wrote on Twitter. He was pictured alongside former CEO of the UFC, Lorenzo Fertitta. He also asked Dana White to send him a location, which means asking for a fight in the Nurmagomedov language.

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Whether ‘The Eagle’ is just playing with the fans or he is indeed planning on a return to the Octagon is unclear, though. However, there’s no shortage of potential challengers for him, should he decide to defend his throne again.

Nurmagomedov mentioned before UFC 257 that he kept a close eye on the pay-per-view with top lightweights engaging in action. A win for his former opponent Conor McGregor could potentially have set up the biggest rematch in UFC history. However, McGregor’s shocking defeat tarnished those chances.

But the likes of Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler, and more are lurking in the background. Also, former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos asked to fight Nurmagomedov, given he beats his brother, Islam Makhachev. And obviously, there’s the clash against Tony Ferguson that got away despite being scheduled five times.

Options are in abundance for the Russian.

Will Khabib Nurmagomedov actually make a comeback?

Nurmagomedov seems to be enjoying life. Being retired, he is spending time playing Soccer and doing other fun stuff. Also, he is counting on his brother Islam Makhachev to conquer the lightweight division and carry on the pride of Dagestan. So, the possibilities of him coming back are actually thin.

However, with a star like Nurmagomedov involved, and with the current scenario of the UFC lightweight division, nothing is off the charts. So, a return for ‘The Eagle‘ can’t be dismissed altogether. Fans will keep a close eye on how things unfold in near future.

What did you make of Nurmagomedov’s cryptic tweet? Let us know your decision.