Will Khabib Nurmagomedov return to UFC? Cormier unsure of his future after father's death

After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s far Abdulmanap passed away, rumours started going wild that reigning UFC lightweight champion will t face interim champion Justin Gaethje later this year. Recently, Khabib’s close friend and teammate Daniel Cormier also admitted that Nurmagomedov vs Gaethje could indeed get postponed. Daniel Cormier told ESPN that Khabib Nurmagomedov was really close to his far and it will be really hard for him to return to octagon this year.

“I don’t think he’s fighting this year, honestly and it’s going to take a lot of strength from a very strong man for Khabib to be back in octagon, ever. I just kw what Abdulmanap meant to him, and I kw that this was ir journey toger.

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Daniel Cormier wants Adesanya vs Costa to replace Nurmagomedov vs Gaethje title fight

Daniel Cormier said that Khabib Nurmagomedov is like his younger bror and he should take as much time as he needs to mourn his far. Daniel Cormier n revealed UFC should replace Nurmagomedov vs Gaethje with some or fights. “So we don’t get Khabib in September. OK, we get (Israel Adesanya) vs (Paulo Costa), which is a phemenal fight,” Daniel Cormier added.

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UFC president Dana White also doesn't want to rush Nurmagomedov vs Gaethje. Daniel Cormier claimed that Dana White is aware of relationship Khabib Nurmagomedov shared with his far. Dana White understands that it’s a really crucial time in Khabib’s life and he needs all support he can get. Daniel Cormier ended his answer saying that Dana White has himself told Khabib Nurmagomedov to take his own time. “Dana White saying, ‘Take as much time as you want,’ because Dana is fully aware of relationship Khabib had with his far. I support him taking some time. He needs it.”

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Khabib’s far Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away due to COVID-19 complications at of 57. According to reports, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov suffered a heart attack in May after being diagsed with coronavirus. Because of se complications, he had to undergo an emergency bypass surgery, after which he was twice placed in a medically-induced coma. After waking, he remained in critical condition, but soon showed some signs of recovery. However, as time went by his health got worse and he bread his last on July 3, 2020.

Also Read l Khabib UFC return: Dana White pens ode to Khabib far after death due to COVID-19 complications

Im Credit: Daniel Cormier - Instagram