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Khabib Nurmagomedov will make his long-awaited return to action on October 24, 2020 when he takes on Justin Gaethje Lightweight title unification match at UFC 254 a location that has yet to-be-determined.
His comeback fight will take place just a few short months following the death of his father, Abdulmanap, who passed away a few weeks ago as a result of multiple complications stemming from COVID-19.
As not only his father, Abdulmanap was also “The Eagle’s” trainer and as the Lightweight champion declares, his friend. It was truly a tight bond and Khabib will be the first to admit that the loss has affected him greatly, including in training.
“I’m sure everyone in this room lost someone, A friend, a neighbor, a cousin, a mother, a father, girlfriend. Everyone goes through loss, I understand that. But on the other hand it’s very difficult,” said Khabib during a recent interview with RT Sport (via MMA Fighting).
“Some people have strictly a father-son relationship, but my father was very close to me. We were like friends. He was my father and coach, we were always together. We were very close. Of course I’m sad. If I tell you with a straight face that it doesn’t affect my training, that’d be a lie.
“It does affect me, I think about him all the time. Maybe this pain will put me on another level and make me stronger. Any challenge either breaks you or makes you stronger. We’ll see what it does to me in time.”
Just the simple fact that Khabib decided to return to action this year shows his strength according to those closest to him. Prior to his passing, Khabib’s father declared that “The Eagle” retiring once he hits 30-0 would be a big possibility.
As far as that goes, “The Eagle” didn’t confirm it, but did touch on the fact that he’s been fighting for some time now
“As far as retirement, I’ve been having lots of different thoughts,” Khabib said. “Right now I’m thinking of my next fight. We’ll see what happens next. Right now I’m 31, I’ll be 32 in September. That’s a significant age. I’m no longer a rookie. Looking back at how much time I’ve invested in the sport, it’s fair to say I’m a veteran. I’ve been a professional fighter for 12 years, since 2008. I’ve been in the UFC more than eight years. If you look back, I’ve had an excellent career.”
Indeed, at 28-0, 12-0 UFC, Khabib ha the ultra rare opportunity to not only go out as a champion but also undefeated. Gaethje, meanwhile, would love nothing more than to put an end to that perfect run.
But if “Highlight” can’t do it, perhaps this former dual-division champion can.