Dana White Confirms Khabib Nurmagomedov’s “Still The Champ”

If any of the UFC’s top lightweights are hoping to fight for the vacated title, or an interim belt in the near future, as of right now, that’s not going to happen.

White says Khabib is “still the champ”

Following Khabib Nurmagomedov’s thrilling win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, and his subsequent retirement, there’s been extensive talk about the UFC’s plans for the lightweight title.

Since the UFC is working on booking a bout between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier for January 23rd, there’s been speculation as to whether that bout could be changed into a title fight. There’s also been talk about whether the UFC might put together some sort of tournament, which includes the likes of McGregor, Poirier, Gaethje, Tony Ferguson or Michael Chandler.

But, more recently, UFC President Dana White turned heads by saying he believes there’s a chance Khabib could return after all. White made the comments, after Khabib told media in Russia that he is indeed, done fighting.

Well, following UFC Vegas 12, White didn’t walk back from that opinion. While talking to the media, he had this to say about Khabib’s future (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Well, he didn’t say that he’ll fight, but he didn’t say no,” White said. “He’s considering the 30-0. His father wanted it and I think that he was super-emotional.

(He) had the mumps, measles or whatever, broken toe, trained on a stationary bike for that fight, and then came in and fought, and he was super-emotional.”

And in addition, White also reported the following, regarding the state of the lightweight title.

“He’s still the champ – there’s no vacant title open right now, or no interim title happening.

He’s the champ and we’ll give him some time to figure out what he wants to do. …

I feel pretty good (about it). He said he was going to talk with his mother.”

We shall see?

So, this is pretty interesting to hear, given that Khabib, at least publicly, seems committed to retiring. But, maybe Khabib will change his mind and decided to pursue the 30-0 mark.

The question is, at what point will the UFC vacate the belt or put an interim title on the line, if Khabib confirms he’s going to fight again?

Based off past history, there’s reasons to think that the UFC won’t wait that long. Case in point, when it became clear Khabib wasn’t going to be able to leave Russia to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, an interim title was put up.

Even though Nurmagomedov had defended the belt not that much earlier. In September, 2019, he submitted Dustin Poirier. 

It could also be, however, that the UFC wants to ensure it has some flexibility, in terms of matchmaking options.

For example, if McGregor were to beat Poirier for an interim belt, maybe Khabib would axe plans to fight again? If he’s only thinking about fighting say, Georges St-Pierre, or someone else he hasn’t already defeated.