As far as UFC president Dana White is concerned, everything continues to line up for one more Khabib Nurmagomedov fight.
The UFC continues to call Nurmagomedov the lightweight champion despite his decision to announce his retirement after besting Justin Gaethje. Standing at 29-0, White feels Nurmagomedov will make a return to finish 30-0.
He also noted that Nurmagomedov continues to be tested by the USADA, which the fighter showed on social media recently.
“I told you guys that I think he’s gonna go to (30-0),” White said (thanks to The Mac Life for the quotes). “If he’s still testing, why the hell would you want to test if you’re not gonna fight? He hasn’t committed, but I feel like he’s gonna.”
White added that he’s “not really pushing him” to make a decision official.
Nurmagomedov continued to push through and face Gaethje even after the passing of his father and coach.
“We talked about it and he just fought,” White said. “Let him take some time, spend some time with his family, spend the holidays. There’s no rush.”
When asked about making the planned January bout between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier for the title, White said that is not in the plans.
“No,” he said. “Khabib’s gonna fight. I believe he’s gonna fight. It’s not for the title.”