Dana White provides Nurmagomedov update insisting he’s ‘officially retired’

Dana White has given a fresh update on Khabib Nurmagomedov's future amid speculation the Dagestani was set to return to the UFC.

UFC president Dana White has refused to give up hope of convincing Nurmagomedov to return to the octagon after the lightweight champion retired last year.

The fighter himself this week fuelled speculation that he could make a comeback, tweeting the "send me location" catchphrase that he first used to call out Conor McGregor.

But White has now taken to social media to clarify Nurmagomedov's plans – insisting the 32-year-old is 100% "officially retired" with a 29-0 record.

Posting a picture of himself and Nurmagomedov on Twitter, White said, "29-0 it is. He is officially retired", along with the '100' emoji.

The UFC president added: "It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend."

Nurmagomedov announced he was hanging up his gloves last October following the third defence of his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje.

He revealed he had promised his mother that he would not fight on without his father in his corner after he passed away following a battle with Covid-19.

But this week he met with former UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, and later tweeted: "It was good to see you Lorenzo. Dana White, send me location."

White has steadfastly refused to strip Nurmagomedov of the lightweight belt and instead plans to hold an unofficial tournament to decide his next 155lb champion.

He claimed Nurmagomedov had told him that he would return if he was impressed by either McGregor or Dustin Poirier in their rematch at UFC 257 earlier this year.

But despite Poirier's second-round stoppage victory, Nurmagomedov was reluctant to commit to a return.

McGregor and Poirier are now due to fight for a third time this summer while Gaethje is set to take on Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson will face Beneil Dariush.

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