Dana White: Khabib Nurmagomedov return 'doesn’t sound very positive' after UFC 257

ABU DHABI – For weeks, UFC president Dana White has voiced his confidence lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will return for his 30th pro fight. However, at the UFC 257 post-fight news conference, White changed his tune.

Following the conclusion of UFC 257, White spoke with Nurmagomedov on the phone. The undefeated Russian champion doesn’t see challenges out there for him right now, which has White seemingly second-guessing if Nurmagomedov will return.

“I did talk to Khabib,” White told MMA Junkie. “He said to me, ‘Dana, be honest with yourself. You know, I’m so many levels above these guys. I beat these guys.’ I don’t know. I don’t know what he’s (thinking). But it doesn’t sound very positive. So we’ll see. What he said was, and I told you guys before, he won’t hold the division up. I mean, he already retired. He’s basically retired. I’m the one that’s been trying to get him to do one more.”

White’s conversation with Nurmagomedov came shortly after Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler solidified their places at the top of the UFC lightweight division with knockout victories. If Nurmagomedov vacates, White said Poirier vs. Chandler would likely be the next matchup for the UFC’s 155-pound title.

“(Chandler and Poirier) just fought,” White said. “They’re not fighting again anytime soon. We’ll get it figured out.”

Nurmagomedov retired in the cage following his UFC 254 title defense against Justin Gaethje. Despite Nurmagomedov’s comments, White continued to voice confidence the Russian fighter would return to try to advance to 30-0.

Nurmagomedov and White met in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 15 at a UAE Warriors event in Abu Dhabi. A portion of White’s sales pitch was captured on an episode of “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.” White later announced Nurmagomedov’s return would be contingent on what happened at UFC 257. However, days later, Nurmagomedov once again expressed he was likely done fighting.

White and Nurmagomedov are expected to meet face-to-face once again in late January. According to White, the fighter and promoter will grab dinner in Las Vegas.

UFC 257 took place Saturday at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.