Khabib Nurmagomedov does not understand why the UFC booked a BMF title fight between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway.
Nearly four years ago, ‘The Eagle’ walked away from mixed martial arts, laying down his lightweight championship after going 29-0 in his career. Since then, Nurmagomedov has played a pivotal role in the rise of his protege, Islam Makhachev, who claimed the 155-pound crown for himself in October 2022.
Since then, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ has defended the title twice, both times against former featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. Ready for a fresh matchup, all signs pointed toward Makhachev taking on Justin Gaethje in the spring. However, those plans were brushed aside in favor of a superfight at UFC 300, pitting ‘The Highlight’ against Holloway at the landmark event.
While the clash between Gaethje and Holloway is one of the most exciting bouts scheduled for April 13, it has left Islam Makhachev with no clear path forward.
“All respect for Max Holloway, but I don’t know, and I don’t understand why UFC make this fight,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie following an appearance for Class A Events. “Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway: It makes no sense – (that’s) my opinion. My opinion, Holloway is supposed to fight with (Ilia) Topuria next, maybe September. Justin Gaethje is supposed to fight with Islam in May or June, and Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira, they fight in April. Whoever wins that (should be fighting) the winner of Islam vs. Justin Gaethje.
“Now, Topuria will fight with who? Movsar (Evloev) is the best option. I don’t know if Dana White will give him (a title shot). My opinion, he deserves this. I don’t understand. It makes no sense why they don’t give Islam (a fight with) Justin Gaethje, why they make him fight vs. Holloway.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov Will Never Unretire
Before Dana White announced that UFC 300 would be headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill, rumors were running rampant that the promotion had offered Khabib Nurmagomedov a whopping $40 million to return at the event.
‘The Eagle’ confirmed that he never talked to anyone directly, though he did reveal that his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, had fielded some calls from the UFC about a potential comeback.
“I know they connected with Ali, but I told Ali… never call me about a fight,” Nurmagomedov said. “They never connect with me directly, but I know some people from the UFC connected with Ali, but I told them already once… I told them a lot of times — all the people that tried to bring me back — that I decided [to retire] in October 2020. It was my last fight and I will never change this.”
