Khabib Nurmagomedov believes the UFC lightweight title will belong to either Dustin Poirier or Conor McGregor by the conclusion of UFC 257.
"The Eagle", who was revealed as Russia's most famous sportsperson, has given the first indication that he will step aside as planned after he sensationally retired following his UFC 254 win over Justin Gaethje. Dana White has revealed he is "confident" of convincing Nurmagomedov of fighting at least one more time. Even though the undefeated Dagestani doesn't anticipate returning, he has hinted that there are certain conditions that would have to be met before he would return.
Nurmagomedov insisted that his UFC lightweight championship will "be taken by the winner of Dustin and Conor."
“Dana and I are in touch and did not discuss the moment with the vacant belt. This is because they want me to continue. This is clear. I have been in the (UFC) for nine years and have not lost. I have a story, a big fan base. I don’t blame them, and their desire is understandable. They persuade. I will not hide, but this is not surprising," admitted Nurmagomedov (h/t MMA Junkie). "They offer conditions and fighters, but it’s hard to surprise fighters. I finished half of the top 10 ahead of schedule. And so yes, I repeat: There are conditions and offers. In a couple of weeks, Dana and I will discuss all the points. I would not like to have the likelihood of my return.”
His manager Ali Abdelaziz has taken to Twitter to refute the claims that the UFC 257 main event winner will take the lightweight championship, stating Nurmagomedov meant "the winner of this fight will fight for the title." Abdelaziz has been bickering with McGregor on social media recently and seems to believe that we may not have seen the last of Nurmagomedov in the Octagon.
Enough with the fake news. Khabib said the winner of this fight will fight for the title he didn’t say the winner will become champion. #ClickBait https://t.co/iWZtt8Hxeg
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) December 28, 2020
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