Dana White: Khabib Nurmagomedov Comeback Won't Happen

Dana White says he does not believe Khabib Nurmagomedov will ever return to fighting, shutting down speculation that sparked after Nurmagomedov was spotted wearing UFC gloves backstage at UFC 330. Asked directly about it at the post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO gave one of his most definitive answers yet on the retired lightweight champion's future.

"I don't think that's ever going to happen," White said. "Listen, when he was trying to retire, I was all over that f***ing guy. I don't think you'll get him back now, plus he's got to weigh like 225 lb or something! Yeah, he's got a good life, and I don't think he's looking to fight any more."

Why Was Khabib Nurmagomedov Wearing Gloves at UFC 330?

Nurmagomedov showed up backstage at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia with UFC gloves on, and the image alone was enough to set off a fresh round of comeback chatter among fans. The timing mattered too. The gloves appeared on a night when Nurmagomedov's longtime student and friend, Islam Makhachev, headlined UFC 330 against Ian Machado Garry.

Makhachev won that fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47, to defend the UFC welterweight title for the first time. It was his 17th straight win inside the Octagon, a new promotion record, and it pushed his professional record to 29-1.

Has Khabib Nurmagomedov Ever Come Close to Fighting Again?

Nurmagomedov has said no to a return so many times that White's comments track with everything the fighter himself has said publicly. Nurmagomedov retired at 29-0 after submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020, unifying the lightweight title in a fight he had already announced would be his last, following the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. White pushed hard to change his mind afterward before eventually accepting the decision.

In 2023, Nurmagomedov said he had turned down offers worth $20 million, $30 million and $40 million because money no longer moved him. "It's finished. I leave this alone. I am happy and I never regret my decision. Never," he said. Rumors have surfaced periodically since, including talk of a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, but nothing has materialized. Nurmagomedov has instead stayed involved as a coach and cornerman for Makhachev and other fighters from his camp.

For bettors, there is no market to speak of here since White's comments close the door rather than open one. Anyone hoping a Nurmagomedov comeback prop or futures market might surface can put that idea away. The far more relevant betting story out of UFC 330 remains Makhachev, whose move to welterweight and unbeaten Octagon streak have made him one of the shortest favorites on the UFC roster whenever he fights again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Khabib Nurmagomedov coming back to fight in the UFC?

No. Dana White said at the UFC 330 press conference that he does not believe Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight again, despite Nurmagomedov being seen wearing UFC gloves backstage.

Why was Khabib Nurmagomedov wearing gloves at UFC 330?

Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared backstage at UFC 330 in Philadelphia wearing UFC gloves, which fueled comeback speculation, but Dana White clarified afterward that Nurmagomedov has no plans to return to competition.

What happened in the UFC 330 main event?

Islam Makhachev defended the UFC welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, extending his UFC winning streak to a record 17 fights and improving to 29-1.