Khabib Nurmagomedov will make his return to the octagon on Oct. 24, UFC president Dana White has introduced.
White confirmed to CNN that Nurmagomedov, the Russian light-weight champion, will return to motion towards interim champ Justin Gaethje as he bids to proceed his undefeated profession following a tragic time in his private life.
Nurmagomedov’s father and coach, Abdulmanap, died from points associated to COVID-19 earlier this month. However White informed CNN that Nurmagomedov can be able to return in October.
“It’s been very tough on him,” White stated. “His father was a hero to him. He cherished his father. They’d a really, very shut relationship, and it was very exhausting on him.”
Nurmagomedov (28-Zero MMA, 12-Zero UFC) initially was scheduled to face Tony Ferguson in April, however the COVID-19 pandemic meant their fifth combat reserving glided by the wayside.
Gaethje (22-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC)) stepped in and stopped Ferguson within the fifth spherical on Could 9 at UFC 249 to say the interim title and e book himself a future shot at Nurmagomedov. Information of the loss of life of the champion’s father put any plans for a summer season matchup on maintain.
Nevertheless, in line with White, that bout will nonetheless happen, with the date now set for Oct. 24. at a venue to be confirmed.
“It’s going to occur, I let you know proper right here, proper now,” White stated. “That combat’s going to occur: Khabib vs. Gaethje, October 24.”
White beforehand has hinted at Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje going down on “Combat Island,” although that continues to be up within the air.