Khabib’s Manager Says If All The Stars Align Then ‘Eagle’ Could Be Fighting St-Pierre In Late 2019
Earlier today ESPN reported that Nevada State Athletic Commission’s (NSAC) executive director Bob Bennett said they have reduced the suspensions of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammates Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov by 35 days. Originally both received a year-long suspension for taking part in UFC 229 post-fight brawl.
Previously Khabib said he wouldn’t compete until they were able to fight again but now things are looking optimistic for his return to the cage this year.
That news increased the chances of Khabib’s return against newly crowned interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 this September in Abu Dhabi.
According to Khabib’s manager, the fight against Poirier is close to a done deal and if all goes well ‘Eagle’ could go on to fight former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre before the year ends.
I asked Khabib's manager Ali Abdelaziz how close the Poirier fight in Abu Dhabi is, after NSAC shortened his teammates' suspensions today. "We are close. Good news coming very soon … And if all goes to plan, I think Khabib will fight Georges St-Pierre at the end of the year."
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) May 22, 2019
St-Pierre’s last fight was back in 2017 where he defeated Michael Bisping via submission at UFC 217. He officially retired earlier this year after his constant efforts to get a Khabib fight went sideways. GSP has lost only two fights early in his career, which means if he comes out of retirement; it would likely be a problem for Khabib.
But, Khabib has yet to lose a fight and is at the top of his game right now being an elite level wrestler. So, it would be interesting to see how these two fighters who have a strong wrestling background would match up in the Octagon, and it’s a match we’d all like to see.
But, this fight is not a sure thing quite yet as there still needs to be some prior things to be worked out beforehand. However, it’d be super exciting and one of the greatest fights in UFC history.