The Dagestani MMA Icon Khabib Nurmagomedov was rumoured to make an astounding return to the UFC at UFC 300. This is due to the UFC not yet announcing a main event for the huge event.
Javier Mendez Quietens the Noise to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Javier Mendez denied all reports of a return for Nurmagomedov despite recent training stories breaking the news. Speaking on his podcast Mendez stated,
“He never said he wanted to come back, he never talked to me about anything since he made his announcement over two years ago,” he continued. “People need to stop, it’s like- he’s moved on with his life, he’s done what he said he was gonna do, he says he was gonna be focusing on the fighters when they’re around, when he’s there.” Quote via MiddleEasy
After defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 he emotionally retired in respect to his late great father. It came as a shock to fans as they felt he had many more opponents to face. Following this in the years after his retirement fans and even Dana White speculated and craved a return. However, it was a promise to his mother and he would not break that. Additionally, now with his protégé running riot in his old division it looks like that 30th career fight may never arrive.
Daniel Cormier Comments
Former double champion Daniel Cormier is a good friend of the former Lightweight king and new king Islam Makhachev and has given his thoughts on the recent rumours of a return at UFC 300.
“Khabib told us he turned down $40 million. He said $40 million, the dude said $40 million. To come back, to fight in the UFC. I don’t know how many fights he was meaning, I don’t know exactly what event. He just said, ‘I turned away $40 million brother, I’m done’. I don’t know what would prompt him to come back if he turned that kind of money away two years ago, but UFC 300 is starting to feel like that event we expected. ” Quotes via GiveMeSport.
Cormier has always been close to the Dagestani’s training group as they grow into the sport in an air of dominance which appears to be creeping over every weight division. Therefore many do believe Cormier is able to get the inside scoop as to what is happening out in Dagestan regarding training in particular.
UFC 300
Given the timing of UFC 300 on April 13th it was always a doubt on how many Muslim fighters we would see on the card as Ramadan would conclude only days prior on April 8th. After his brilliant performance last time out the now pound for pound number one Islam Makhachev has named his return date as June even though his name is big enough to headline the anniversary event. Intriguingly all three potential opponents for Makhachev have great fights booked for UFC 300 which they will hope to come through unscathed to make the quick turnaround for June.
Belal Muhammed is training out in Dagestan with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov which has led fans to believe he is in camp getting ready for Welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
