The story of the possible resumption of the career of Khabib Nurmagomedov received a new round.
The manager of the Russian fighter, Ali Abdel-Aziz, posted a post on his Twitter page in which he wrote "30-0".
Thus, the representative of the lightweight champion hinted that his client could soon hold another, anniversary fight and achieve the result that his late father Abdulmanap dreamed of.
It is worth noting that initially, many were inclined to think that Nurmagomedov was unlikely to leave the sport after defeating Gatji.
Before UFC 254, Khabib lost his father and was upset about the loss.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it all resulted in a highly emotional ending to the show.
After the third successful title defense, the Russian could not hold back his tears, and then completely announced his intention to hang his gloves on a nail.
According to him, his mother played an important role in making such a decision, asking the athlete to stop performing.
Nevertheless, a few days after the end of the tournament in the world of MMA, they began to doubt that Nurmagomedov's decision to retire from the sport was final.
One of the first to express such an opinion was the president of the UFC, Dana White.
During one of the interviews, he suggested that Khabib would return to the octagon and try to win his 30th career victory.
This is also related to the fact that the UFC still has not deprived Nurmagomedov of the champion title.
Usually, an official statement of the athlete's resignation is enough for a promotion to not only deprive him of the trophy, but also his place in the organization's ratings.
However, White did not rush here and said that he intends to give the Russian time to think.
The head of the promotion acted far-sightedly, refrained from hasty actions and, apparently, was right.
Yes, at the moment there has been no official statement from the fighter himself.
But such a message from his manager can be considered a signal of his possible return.
Abdel-Aziz not only has been working with Nurmagomedov for a long time, but also has friendly relations with him.
It is difficult to imagine that he began to spread deliberately false information and thereby irritate not only the champion himself, but also his fans.
In addition, speculation about the end and resumption of a career is closer to Conor McGregor than to Khabib.
30-0
- Ali Abdelaziz (@ AliAbdelaziz00) November 10, 2020
At the same time, Abdel-Aziz published his tweet only a few hours after the announcement of the organization of a duel between McGregor and Dustin Poirier.
Over the past weeks, there have been rumors of a rematch between the lightweight stars, and on the eve of MMA Fighting confirmed that the parties were practically able to reach an agreement.
And this despite the fact that even on the eve of the famous MMA-insider Ariel Helvani reported that the Diamond may be replaced by Justin Gaethje.
Thus, Abdel-Aziz's statement can be considered a clever move, designed not only to heat up the excitement around the possible return of Nurmagomedov, but also to force the UFC to refrain from the idea of introducing a temporary title.
Yes, White has already said that he does not intend to do this, but by January his opinion may well change.
Thus, the manager of Khabib indicated that it is too early to write off his client, and therefore it is too early to think about the new champion.
If these two events are really connected, then all this may be part of the promotion of a future high-profile revenge between Nurmagomedov and McGregor.
Despite the long downtime, the Irishman is the favorite in the rematch with Porier and is likely to repeat the success of six years ago.
In this case, he will be entitled to be considered the first contender for the lightweight title and count on a rematch with the Russian.
With a similar background, Khabib's re-fight with Conor is sure to be one of the loudest in recent years and will help the UFC set a record for paid streaming sales, not only in MMA history, but in martial arts in general.
However, Abdel Aziz's post on social media may not be related to the announcement of McGregor's fight with Poirier.
It is possible that this is just a coincidence, and another fighter will become Nurmagomedov's next rival.
So, Magomed Ismailov believes that only ex-UFC champion in two weight categories Georges Saint-Pierre can contribute to Khabib's return to the cage.
“It will be great if they both come back for one fight.
I think Georges is the only one who can influence Khabib's decision to resume his career, "Ismailov said in an interview with RT.
The same opinion is shared by the first Russian Bellator champion Alexander Shlemenko.
The former middleweight title holder said that he believed in Nurmagomedov's return to the octagon, and singled out Saint-Pierre as a possible opponent.
“Do I believe in the return of Khabib?
Why not?
Khabib left so quickly, but he didn't leave the belt.
He still belongs to him.
It seems to me that Khabib left in order to pass the belt to Islam Makhachev.
But that fight breaks down and the ascent to the title is delayed.
Of course, this is not the main reason.
Perhaps some interesting duel with the same Saint-Pierre has emerged, ”Shlemenko quotes“ Championship ”.
The ex-Bellator champion admitted that he initially did not believe in Nurmagomedov's decision to end his career, but did not rule out that the return would take place a little later.
“I regarded Khabib's departure as a pause.
He really needed her.
His father and coach died in one person, and the year was generally difficult.
Now many fighters were left without fights.
Criticism due to the fact that he has already left, and now decided to return?
You won't be nice to everyone.
Those who want to throw out the negative will still find a reason.
Moreover, this is just a hint so far.
Maybe Abdel-Aziz just fueled the intrigue, ”Shlemenko added.
Another ex-Bellator champion Vitaly Minakov did not rule out a possible resumption of Nurmagomedov's career.
The renowned heavyweight suggested that the fighter's family might have reconsidered the original decision to retire.
“We do not know what is in Khabib's head.
The announcement he made came as a surprise to everyone.
Perhaps it was thought out, but it was made on emotions.
Family played a key role in the decision to retire.
Maybe something has changed.
If Khabib decided to return, it will be a gift for all fans.
Everyone was waiting for this 30th fight against Saint-Pierre, as Abdulmanap once spoke about.
I think no one will turn his tongue to criticize Khabib if he decides to return.
Everyone understands what has happened recently, one can only assume what is going on inside him.
Whatever decision Khabib makes in the end, we must all support him, ”Minakov said.
But ex-UFC fighter Albert Tumenov believes that one should not take Abdel-Aziz's hints too seriously.
In his opinion, Nurmagomedov made a decision and is unlikely to change it.
“I think that Abdel-Aziz is simply intriguing people.
Khabib had his say.
Of course, anything is possible.
But rather, Abdel-Aziz is stirring up interest, he knows how it works.
I don't think that Khabib will fight again, at least not in the next few years, "Tumenov said.