MMA fans are getting excited about Khabib Nurmagomedov potentially returning to the sport.
Nurmagomedov, who was just 32 years old at the time, announced his shock retirement from fighting following a submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020.
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Nurmagomedov retired with a perfect record, which is unheard of in MMACredit: Getty Images – Getty
Dana White tried desperately to convince him to reconsider, but Nurmagomedov ended up vacating the lightweight title, which is currently owned by his protégé, Islam Makhachev.
Later, the 29-0 fight legend stepped away from the sport entirely as he quit coaching a bunch of other MMA stars from Dagestan.
However, he’s now back in the gym and appears to be in fantastic shape while helping Makhachev prepare to defend his lightweight crown against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1
The 35-year-old has shared several training videos recently, and the latest one of him cracking a heavy bag has got fans dreaming about a comeback bout.
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“I love this energy,” Nurmagomedov wrote on Instagram alongside the footage that showed him drenched in sweat during an intense training session.
One fan commented: “Man Khabib is still in his prime.”
Another said: “I think he still can beat anybody in the 155 division.”
Someone else added: “He still can come out of retirement and beat the s*** of Conor [McGregor].”
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Sweat poured from his face during the gruelling workoutCredit: @khabib_nurmagomedov – instagram
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Khabib has convinced some fans he’s going to fight againCredit: @khabib_nurmagomedov – instagram
Nurmagomedov shared a bitter rivalry with McGregor before beating him at UFC 229 in October 2018 and retiring without giving his nemesis a rematch.
The Irishman has been irked about that ever since, so he was happy to hear rumours that his old rival is gearing up for a return to competition.
‘Notorious recently aimed an explosive rant at Nurmagomedov after he denied reports about owing £3 million to the Russian government.
“Typical rat behaviour,” McGregor said when asked about his rival’s alleged financial troubles.
“Scurrying rat. So, he has bills to pay. We fight for legacy, and he’s got two main events or something in the UFC and he owes his b******s to the Russian government.
“I’m ecstatic and delighted that it’s coming on top of him. We will all welcome him back to the game he has ran from. It’s a rat trap. The rat trap has been set.
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“We are excited about that and will see where it goes. We noticed the little rat scurrying on back. We see him back around. Fat rat we call him.”
Khabib hasn’t responded to McGregor’s jibes or rumours about a comeback, but fans are already dreaming about another fight between the two men.
UFC 229 is the biggest-selling event in MMA history. If there’s any chance of doing a rematch the powers at be will be all over it.
Only time will tell if Nurmagomedov vs McGregor II will happen, but the former dual-weight champion must first get by Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29.
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