Walking back retirement never crossed Khabib Nurmagomedov ’s mind. The former UFC lightweight champion did not contemplate a return to MMA competition following his retirement announcement at UFC 254 in October 2020 in Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov told the world following his third title defense over Justin Gaethje that he was hanging up the gloves for good since he had promised his mother he wouldn’t continue fighting following the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap, months prior due to complications from COVID-19. Yet, the UFC didn’t officially recognize Nurmagomedov’s retirement until March – five months after the decision was made public. UFC president Dana White told the media for months that there was a chance Nurmagomedov would return and he set up multiple meetings with Nurmagomedov in hopes to convince him to comeback. But despite the efforts to get Nurmagomedov back in the cage, the Dagestani was settled on retirement and never thought of a comeback
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