SUMMARY
- Previously, reports emerged that Khabib Nurmagomedov would leave coaching as well, seemingly disconnecting from the sport entirely.
- Now, according to Chael Sonnen, there has been a development in the story.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a name that invokes a wave of nostalgia among fight fans. In what was labeled as the height of the sport’s popularity, Khabib was the face of the UFC. As one of the most dominant fighters and champions of all time, it seems as though he could be primed for a return.
Previously, ‘The Eagle’ relinquished his title in 2020, following the passing of his father. In what was a promise to his mother, Khabib vowed to never fight again. Thus, the extremely talented fighter took to coaching and nurturing his brother and other upcoming Dagestani talents. Soon thereafter, reports emerged that he would leave coaching as well, seemingly disconnecting from the sport entirely.
Now, according to Chael Sonnen, there has been a development in the story. “Coach Javier Mendez, came out of nowhere, in a publication that no one reads, and made an off-handed comment, that ‘Khabib is in town in San Jose and he is training with me.'” Further, Chael went on to add to what Javier Mendez said, “Now I didn’t say he’s at practice, he’s training with me, and he only trains with me when he has a fight coming up”.
Further, the former UFC fighter went on to talk about why Khabib would possibly return. For the most part, the former undisputed Lightweight Champion is set for life with his earnings and other endeavors. Moreover, he also has a perfect, unblemished 29-0 record to his name. Thus, it is a very confusing situation after all.
Who is Khabib Nurmagomedov expected to fight in his UFC return?
For those who closely followed him and were avid fans of the Russian fighter, they will know that Khabib never cared for attention. Leading a very reserved and private lifestyle, he was more than happy to fade away into retirement, setting the stage for his students, and one in particular, Islam Makhachev, who would then go on to fulfill the prophecy as his successor.
As for Islam, he has enjoyed an extremely successful tenure, despite an early setback. Having gone on to claim the vacant title at UFC 280 thereafter, Makhachev has come good on his promise. However, at the same time, it must be noted that he has aspirations of wanting to capture the belt at 170 lbs as well. Currently, it would appear as though the UFC first wants him to defend the title against other lightweight contenders.
With that said, ‘The Bad Guy‘ believes that Khabib’s intentions with his return are likely to repeat the cycle. Meaning, he would likely try to capture the title at 170 from Leon Edwards, vacate, and pave the way for Islam to be a two-divisional champion. As Chael states, “So now big brother comes back, takes the belt that they would only allow him the opportunity to try and do, vacates it. Rinses and repeats history once again”.
For the most part, the MMA community is not holding their breath with this one. With the scenario being a wildly far-fetched one, it would take a miracle for this to happen. At the same time, there is also the question of Belal Muhammad, who is set to challenge Leon Edwards next. All things considered, diehard fans will still be holding out hope for a GSP-esque return from Khabib.