Appearing at UFC 260 to support her cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov, former Lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov also has many things to talk about himself. For example, the stories behind the scenes between Khabib and UFC President Dana White, who spent many months convincing Khabib Nurmagomedov to return to UFC.
“First, it must be said that it is really difficult to reject Dana White,” Khabib said.
“Honestly, I don't always love Dana White, there are times when he is very good, sometimes it is all the opposite.
“In the last conversation, Dana came and asked me if I intended to change. I said no. And I also hope that the Lightweight weighing level needs to continue moving – I don't want to become an obstacle for others to climb the championship. My decision will not change, and I hope he will understand.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov also revealed that at the end of the meeting with him, President Dana White called a few calls to arrange the next championship match for the Lightweight weight class. In that moment, Khabib had a little regret.
“Dana told me that he had arranged Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler, officially. And he wanted my answer, one last time,” Khabib recounted.
“After the meeting, I felt a bit sad. In the end, I had to let go of the Lightweight weight champion. Although I had hanged gloves, in my heart, I still loved the fighting floor.”