Khabib Nurmagomedov will make his return to the octagon on Oct. 24, Dana White has announced.
UFC president White confirmed to CNN that the Russian UFC lightweight champion will return to action against interim champion Justin Gaethje as he bids to continue his undefeated career following a tragic time in his personal life.
Nurmagomedov’s father and coach Abdulmanap died from issues related to COVID-19 earlier this month. But White said that Nurmagomedov will be ready to return in October.
“It’s been very rough on him,” White told CNN Sport’s Don Riddell. “His father was a hero to him, he loved his father, they had a very, very close relationship and it was very hard on him.”
Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) was originally scheduled to face Tony Ferguson in April, but the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic meant their fifth fight booking went by the wayside.
Gaethje (22-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC)) stepped in and stopped Ferguson in the fifth round at UFC 249 on May 9 to claim the interim title and book himself a future shot at the Russian. But the news of the death of the champion’s father put any plans for a summer matchup on hold.
However, according to White, that bout will still take place, with the date now set for Oct. 24. at a venue to be confirmed.
“It’s going to happen, I tell you right here right now,” White said. “That fight’s going to happen.
“Khabib versus Gaethje, October 24.”
