Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed that he turned down the chance to headline at UFC 300. 

The former UFC Lightweight Champion retired in 2020 at UFC 254 after beating Justin Gaethje. That took his record to 29-0 as he bowed out of the sport undefeated. His career had memorable wins, including victories over Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. After beating Gaethje, Khabib had been linked with numerous returns. But he kept his promise to his mother that he would not fight again following the passing of his father. 

Khabib had continuously been linked with the McGregor rematch, as he previously spoke about an offer being made for it. The fight would no doubt break records even if McGregor was comprehensively beaten, given that there was so much bad blood in the build-up for the first bout. But Khabib was clear that he was past entering the idea as his focus was elsewhere given that he runs Eagle Fighting Championship. 

Khabib On A Return

“Why do I need that kind of money? There are so many organizations, for example . . . there’s not only football for the blind, there’s Sambo and other sports. Let [the UFC] give it to them, if they don’t know what to do with the money. But giving me $100 million for me to beat up that idiot again? I don’t think that’s rational..I’m surprised people even question me about a rematch. It seems that people want to continue the festivities after the fight. Everyone saw what happened in the Octagon,” Khabib stated 

Alex Pereira vs Jamahal Hill was ultimately announced as the main event for UFC 300 in April, but Khabib was considered.

“Honestly, no. I know they connected with Ali [Khabib’s former manager], but I told Ali last maybe one year, I said, ‘It doesn’t matter who calls you, but never call me about a fight.’ We have a deal, directly with me, nobody connects. But I know with Ali, he connected with some people from UFC. But I told (everyone) already once, and I told a lot of times for all these people that try to bring me back: I decided this in October 2020. It was my last fight, and I will never change this,” Nurmagomedov said 

Khabib Meets Curry

In his off time, Khabib has been focusing on other sports now that he no longer fights. He was spotted at a basketball game in the US. Steph Curry was on hand to gift Khabib Nurmagomedov a signed jersey after they met at the Golden State Warriors vs the Raptors game on March 1. 

Khabib managed to see Curry’s team come out victorious with a 120-105 win. The victory meant that the Golden State Warriors had won their last three games. After the game, the two posed for a picture as Curry gave him the team jersey. The post was captioned with the following comments: “It’s different experience to watch live one of the best NBA player in the world. Thanks Toronto Raptors for invitation,” Khabib wrote