Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, already had a meeting with company president Dana White a few weeks ago on “Fight Island.” And though White lead fight fans to believe that “The Eagle” left the door open for a potential comeback, Khabib stated otherwise days later.
Now, Nurmagomedov says he has one more meeting set up with White in the coming weeks, but seems to stand firm in his stance about sticking to his retirement by saying the 155-pound weight class must go on. That’s according to statements he made during a recent interview with Match TV (interpreted by Bruno Massami).
Furthermore, the undefeated champion (29-0, 13-0 UFC) says if anyone deserves to lead the division as champion in his absence it’s none other than Dustin Poirier, who is fresh off a stunning knockout win over Khabib’s biggest rival, Conor McGregor at UFC 257 (see it here).
In an interview with Match TV, UFC Champ Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed he scheduled a new meeting with Dana White at the end of this month.
He accepts any decision but he thinks the division needs to go on. Also, he agrees about @DustinPoirier deserves to be a Champion. pic.twitter.com/vocvt6m3pc
— Bruno Massami (????? ???????) (@BrMassami) February 9, 2021
Recent reports suggest that the promotion is looking at booking a trilogy fight between Poirier and McGregor this May. Of course, if White and Khabib’s upcoming sit-down results in the promotion finally vacating the strap, “The Diamond” could be fighting a more worthy contender for the belt much sooner.
And there are plenty to choose from such as Charles Oliveira, who has been putting in work to the tune of an eight fight win streak which includes big wins over Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee. There is also Michael Chandler, who put the 155-pound weight class on notice with a dazzling UFC debut thanks to a stellar knockout over Dan Hooker at UFC 257.
Either way, it seems there will be a new ruler leading the division in 2021, unless White somehow miraculously convinces Nurmagomedov to return.