Overview
- Backstage footage shown during UFC 330 on Sunday showed Khabib Nurmagomedov briefly putting on fight gloves, which reignited fan speculation about a comeback.
- At the UFC 330 post-fight press conference Dana White told reporters he does not think Khabib will return to competition and noted Khabib’s changed life and weight as reasons.
- Khabib remains active as a coach for top fighters including Islam Makhachev and corrected White’s public weight estimate by posting that he weighs about 205 pounds.
- Veteran reporting recalls that Khabib has turned down major offers to come back in the past, including a reported nine-figure proposal, which reduces the likelihood of a return.
- If Khabib stays retired the most immediate effects are continued focus on his coaching stable and diminished marketability of a Khabib comeback for competing promotions and matchmakers.