Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to face former welterweight kingpin Georges St-Pierre inside the octagon without the title belt on the line in what promises to be the biggest PPV event in the history of mixed martial arts. Yes, you heard that right! Nurmagomedov’s longtime AKA teammate and former title challenger Josh Thompson has dropped the news on Twitter that the former lightweight champion will return to face St-Pierre in what he believes will sell the most PPV in MMA history.
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@TeamKhabib fight @GeorgesStPierre coming soon for a super fight and no title on the line. It will sell the most PPV in MMA history.
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) March 19, 2021
Ever since the Eagle announced his retirement back at UFC 254, fight fans are wondering whether the Dagestani fighter will make his one last appearance to touch the coveted mark of 30-0. However, just last week, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Khabib has officially retired. Subsequently, the Dagestani fighter was pulled out from the UFC rankings. UFC 262 will witness Michael Chandler take on Charles Oliveira for the lightweight championship.
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In a recent interview with ESPN, St-Pierre said that he was as interested as Khabib in having a super-fight, however, UFC seemed to have other plans.
Josh Thompson claims Khabib Nurmagomedov vs GSP will take place
Needless to say, UFC’s decision to not bring St-Pierre back could have a lot to do with the bitter relationship that the former welterweight champion has with the promotion. St-Pierre made his UFC return against Michael Bisping back at UFC 217 in a successful attempt to grab the middleweight title. However, the Canadian fighter later vacated the title.
According to UFC President Dana White, St-Pierre had promised to fight twice before accepting the championship bout against Bisping. However, he failed to keep his words. Needless to say, UFC is not looking to make the same mistake and has shown no interest in a potential GSP vs Khabib fight despite fight fans eagerly waiting for the announcement.
It’s going to happen… thank me later for dropping news first.
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) March 20, 2021
John Thompson’s tweet about Nurmagomedov fighting St-Pierre without the title belt on the line could only mean one thing – both the fighters are planning to hold the hugely anticipated fight without the UFC banner.
While it’s a tough task putting that kind of a show for the fans, the popularity of both the fighters could help make this happen. Additionally, Khabib Nurmagomedov could be looking at promoting his own MMA promotion by fighting his 30th fight under his own banner.