Daniel Cormier doubts Khabib Nurmagomedov would entertain coming back for UFC 300.
With UFC CEO Dana White teasing a mega card for April 13, Chael Sonnen theorized a potential return for Nurmagomedov on that card.
But “The Eagle’s” longtime teammate Cormier revealed that former undefeated UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov recently turned down a massive offer to fight again.
“We did a top 30 UFC fighters of all time. Khabib told us he turned down $40 million,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “That dude said $40 million to come back – to fight in the UFC. I don’t know how many fights he was meaning. I don’t know what he meant. But he just said, ‘I turned away $40 million, brother. I am done.’ I don’t know what would prompt him to come back if he’s turning that type of money away two years ago.”
Cormier says Nurmagomedov has even been shying away from life under the spotlight as a coach.
“In Abu Dhabi, when Islam (Makhachev) fought, he didn’t even go – he didn’t even come to the arena,” Cormier said. “He was like, ‘Tonight is about Islam (Makhachev).’ And a lot of times, when you have a guy like Khabib – dude, Khabib has gotten to the point now, he’s one of those guys, no bullsh*t, he’s like f*cking (Lionel) Messi and all them other dudes.
“When he goes out publicly, it’s crazy the level of attention and stardom this man has. So, he tends to overshadow people when you’re around them. He didn’t even go in Abu Dhabi because a lot of times, it will turn into coach Khabib, and he’s trying to step away to make sure he’s not taking anything away from the guys that are inside the octagon.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.
