The UFC is in the buildup to their second event on Fight Island. However, conversations involving their big names are always a feature of media interactions. As UFC President Dana White addressed the media ahead of the UFC Fight Night Kattar vs Ige he touched upon the status of UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and provided fans and the media with an update on his clash against Justin Gaethje.
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In response to the question, via The Mac Life, Dana White revealed that he is not messing with ‘The Eagle.’ This is in line with his earlier statement where he claimed the UFC would give the Dagestani fighter some “time to get his head straight.” following his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s untimely passing.
Dana White says the UFC isn’t messing with Khabib Nurmagomedov
White said, “No I’m not messing with Khabib, I’m leaving him alone until he’s ready to talk and letting him mourn and you know to do what he has to do. I reached out to him the day of and I haven’t heard back from him since.”
‘The Eagle’ pulled out of UFC 249 due to coronavirus travel restrictions. As a result, the company put together an Interim fight between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje. ‘The Highlight’ handed the then top-ranked contender his first defeat in over 7 years to earn a shot at the undefeated champion.
At this point, when questioned if September would still be an ideal date for the Nurmagomedov-Gaethje clash White did not dismiss it. He responded, “I don’t think it’s off the table. I’m just waiting to hear from him.”
‘The Eagle’ has not competed since UFC 242 last September. On that occasion too he faced off against an Interim Champion. The Lightweight Champion claimed his 28th professional win by submitting Dustin Poirier and unifying the belts.
Certain sections may point out the UFC’s rule of a champion needing to defend his belt once every 12 months. If this is taken seriously, the company could strip ‘The Eagle’ in October.
Whilst, his father was in the hospital, Khabib revealed that he was training harder than ever. He used this as a means to divert his attention and focus even more. However, he hasn’t responded to the UFC and the Lightweight unification bout remains in limbo.
When do you think Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to the Octagon to defend his belt?
