Last week, Khabib Nurmagomedov and UFC President Dana White had a private meeting to discuss Khabib's ability to return to the stage in the near future. Dana White is still optimistic that he can persuade Khabib to protect the belt before the series of excellent boxers at the Lightweight Shark Bank now – for example, the winner in the two Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 2, or Dan Hooker vs. Michael Chandler this weekend at UFC 257.
However, it seems that Khabib is not too much to pay attention to them.
“To the upper radio, I need something stimulating, an attractive goal for me to be determined,” Khabib said on Russian television.
“I have been on the stage for a long time, so long that I think almost my whole life is only associated with martial arts. I have also achieved most of the highest achievements in this arena. And temporarily no opponent I want to meet on the stage right now.”
“I understand that there will be many boxers who want to return to the battlefield for money, for some longing. But I don't. Many people just impose that I have to love the money like that. I don't see that it is necessary.”
Indeed, recently Khabib Nurmagomedov has tended to focus more on the deals outside the UFC. He recently bought the MMA Gorilla Fighting Championships, and was preparing to rename it to Eagle Fighting Championships. Khabib also said he was investing in telecommunications and agriculture.
However, Khabib did not necessarily leave MMA.
“This year is 2021. Just one year ago, we were still excited to enjoy January in the beginning of the early 2020. After that, it was enough to happen, as you saw. Therefore, don't be too sure about the future. In 2022, 2023, no one knows what will happen at that time.”
“And now, I have no plans with UFC. I am not preparing for any match.”