Khabib Nurmagomedov could defeat UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis if he ever returned to the UFC.
This is according to Gadzhi Rabadanov who stated the former lightweight champion still trains with his fellow fighters.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vacated the belt following his final UFC appearance stating he made a promise to stop fighting to his mother following his father’s death.
Rabadanov predicts that Khabib Nurmagomedov would beat Dricus Du Plessis
Despite retiring in 2020 the former champion is still quite active in training. Speaking to Bloody Elbow Rabadanov said; “He still trains every day.
“He trains like a professional fighter still, every single day, he’s never going to stop. If he could he’d train while he’s flying or in the Arabian dessert.”
The PFL fighter went on to say that Khabib was unlikely to make weight at 155lbs which was the division Khabib Nurmagomedov ruled for many years. Rabadanov said; “He’s not lightweight anymore,” Rabadanov continued. “I think maybe middleweight is good. 100 per cent he could beat Dricus Du Plessis. Khabib is different level.
Khabib Nurmagomedov will never return to the UFC
Despite the requests of the UFC and Dana White to make Khabib Nurmagomedov change his decision, it seems unlikely he will ever return to the Octagon. These days the former lightweight champion spends his time coaching his fellow fighters including Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov.
Rabadanov did confirm that Khabib would never step foot in the Octagon again. The PFL lightweight went on to say; “Where we come from if a man says his word he keeps it,” he explained when asked if his teammates ever ask him to make a return. “So no, he will never fight again.” Khabib is regarded as one of the best UFC fighters of all time boasting a perfect record of twenty-seven wins and no losses. Blessed with excellent grappling skills Khabib’s quick ascension led to him becoming the lightweight champion and the Russian defended his belt before retiring.
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